Do these camshaft lobes look alright or should I replace the cam/other components? Sorry, I have never disassembled a head before and don't know what is regular wear and what is an issue. The engine has 180k miles on it.![]()
Do these camshaft lobes look alright or should I replace the cam/other components? Sorry, I have never disassembled a head before and don't know what is regular wear and what is an issue. The engine has 180k miles on it.![]()
looks like the engine was not maintained properly. I use high zinc oil. Tdurr is right. if you are going to put it back might as well reground it with some fresh lobes. you will gain some cheap hp too.
1989 Honda Accord LX-i
B18c1 swap since 7/2011
175whp and 132tq
Redzone tuned
Just picked up a cam and rocker arm assembly that is in good shape. I should use assembly lube right? Sad to see the engine wear. Hopefully the bottom end is ok.
im with the other guys, looks like bad maintenance / improper oil. i'd check the feet on the rockers as well before putting a nice freshly ground cam in there. As Messy mentioned, use of oils that contain higher amounts of zinc ( moly is another good one ) will help keep her running for a long time. I typically suggest Shell rotella 10w-30 for cars that wont see synthetic oil. Assembly lube isn't really required, but its good practice. A little 30wt oil should be good enough to feel if the cam binds.
1989 Accord Lx-i hatchback (current DD project)
1986 Olds Cutlass 442 clone (never ending project)
3Geez resident body man
Owner of Wreck-less auto body
I'd say that one depends. There's definitely some wear, but it might still be within tolerance. You can take it to a machine shop and ask them to mic it for you. I had a camshaft with truly bad wear. There were obvious pits on the cam lobes. The engine felt congested and weak. When I replaced the cam, it all cleared up.
So it depends on your situation. If you're in the middle of a complete engine overhaul and want to do it right, then replace it.
If you're just trying to keep an old engine running, don't have a lot of extra money and don't notice any obvious issues with engine performance, then rock it.
Dr_Snooz
"I like to take hammers, and just break stuff, just break stuff." - Beavis
1989 Honda Accord LX-i Coupe, 240k miles, MT swap, rear disc swap
Shop manual downloads available here: CLICK TO VIEW
I appreciate the input everyone. I decided I might as well just pick up a camshaft and rocker arms that are in better shape, so I did. The new set appear to be wear free.
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