I am getting a set of used cams for my engine. I currently run Auto-Rx maintenance dose every oil change (3-4k w/ Motorcraft semi-synthetic). When I changed my oil on Saturday I peered in my oil filler cap to see what my cams looked like. Mine look pretty damn shiny.
The cams I am looking at purchasing don't look so shiny. Is this varnish on them? Will Auto-Rx work it's magic to get it off if I put them in my engine?
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2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS [ pictures | videos ] Dual Flowmaster Delta 40s / J-Mod / PI Intake Manifold / Marauder Air Box / 80mm MAF CVPI Zip Tube / Ported & Polished Plenum / BBK 70mm / 93 Octane Tune / Steeda Underdrive Pulleys
It is real hard to say whether this is varnish from the pictures. It may well be a sprayed on protectant to guard against any flash rusting. If it is varnish I am sure ARX could clean it up. But better yet, why not hand wash the cam prior to hand lubing up the contact points before installation. Pictures can be scarey. It would appear that there is some wear on the bearing surfaces. But then again it could just be lighting and digital photography. What is wrong with your current shiney cams in the motor presently? The machined and polished parts of the cam always look much better from the untrained eye. I would make certain that the working parts of the cam are in spec and be less concerned about the rest, if used parts are your option.
There's nothing wrong with my current cams, except they don't allow the engine to breathe well above 5,000RPMs. These cams from a newer model Ford 4.6L breathe better and won't cause valve clearance issues on my slightly older engine.
And I guess you're right, it really doesn't matter what the rest of the cams look like as long as the contact points are okay (lobes and bearing surfaces).
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2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS [ pictures | videos ] Dual Flowmaster Delta 40s / J-Mod / PI Intake Manifold / Marauder Air Box / 80mm MAF CVPI Zip Tube / Ported & Polished Plenum / BBK 70mm / 93 Octane Tune / Steeda Underdrive Pulleys
I figure it comes down to surface finish and porousity.
The rollers on the cam followers sparkle ..the cam follower retainers appear to have been "dyed" by the HDEO that I used for a good bit that had a BRIGHT YELLOW additive package.
-- Edited by geeaea on Friday 9th of July 2010 08:32:19 AM
