ok here is my question, chances are that this is no good, but. i was given a camshaft(hydraulic) for free by the guy i bought my car from. it was still in the box and it came with the lifters. i just recently, after having it in the box never open for almost a year, took it out to look at it. i noticed that on all the little chrome rings, there is some rust. its not like surface rust thats chipping or anthing, but it has a few little crater like rust spots. its not flaked or anything like that, is this still usable? or should i just suck it up and buy a new one. also is there any chance of like getting the rust off with lite sanding or no. none of the black or gear on the end have rust.

 

If you have craters or small little low spots caused by the rust then I would not use it. If you have some little spots that look more like a light coat of spray paint, then you MIGHT be able to clean them off. I wouldn't use any sort of abrasive though (no sandpaper!)...

 

Try and water sand off the rust using 600grit waterproof sand paper. If, when you're done you don't feel any thing with your thumb nail accross the rust scar your probabily ok.
Was this a new unused camshaft. Is it something expensive Custom grind or some generic grind you can buy from Summit for $69 with lifters?

Store it standing up vertically. Coat it with Rust Check so it does not rust again.

www.rustcheck.com

 

Take some oil and a rag, wipe the cam off using the oil as a cleaner. If it comes clean and shiny I'd say it's good to go. Scrap it otherwise. Cam kits are pretty cheap so don't take a chance.

 

" i noticed that on all the little chrome rings, there is some rust."

I bet your talking about the snap rings on the lifters. Which is like big woop.

 

right now if you run your finger over it you cant really fell anything. but i will try and clean it with some soapy water and then see what happens.

 

can you post a pic?

 

lift increase for free!!!!!!!!!

 

i would, but i dont have a pic.
my dads friend who is a mechanic looked at it and told me i would be fine.

 

Is this a roller or flat tappet cam?

 

Sounds to me like hes talking about the bearing surfaces....?

Either way, if it wont come off without needing to use abrasives you probably shouldnt use it.


If it is the bearing surfaces, i dont think you would want the joys of trying to replace them if they get chewed up!