Damage to the cam - I don't know the reason - Are any experienced mechanics here?

[extremeDriver911]

Hi, guys!

What happened is just odd.
First, I had the normal, harmless hemi tick.

Though, once I was sure it wasn't anything abnormal, I checked some things:
1. I pulled the cylinder head.
- the valvetrain had no bent push rods or clear signs of wear.
- the valves looked good. Nothing to worry about.

2. I pulled the lifters
- I was expecting a scary seized roller;
- each roller locked as new - no flat spots, wiggle up/down or side to side, no gritty feeling.
- every single needle was present and good-looking.

Second, I concluded it was a borescope job so I sent it down to inspect the cam lobes.
- on the far back lobe on cylinder 8 it seems the cam is damaged.
- the filter was completely fine. Nothing wrong, again.

So, what could cause that type of damage to the cam?

That's not the typical damage you see when a cam lob wears down.

Is someone with experience here? Because I have shown it to three different friends of mine who work with such things, and they couldn't figure out how that could have happened WITHOUT THE LIFTER BEING EFFED. It is just crazy.

I don't know if it matters, but the engine has over 72,000 miles, I am the only owner. I have changed the oil every 5k (with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum).

 

[Carl Stone]

Hi, guys!

What happened is just odd.
First, I had the normal, harmless hemi tick.

Though, once I was sure it wasn't anything abnormal, I checked some things:
1. I pulled the cylinder head.
- the valvetrain had no bent push rods or clear signs of wear.
- the valves looked good. Nothing to worry about.

2. I pulled the lifters
- I was expecting a scary seized roller;
- each roller locked as new - no flat spots, wiggle up/down or side to side, no gritty feeling.
- every single needle was present and good-looking.

Second, I concluded it was a borescope job so I sent it down to inspect the cam lobes.
- on the far back lobe on cylinder 8 it seems the cam is damaged.
- the filter was completely fine. Nothing wrong, again.

So, what could cause that type of damage to the cam?

That's not the typical damage you see when a cam lob wears down.

Is someone with experience here? Because I have shown it to three different friends of mine who work with such things, and they couldn't figure out how that could have happened WITHOUT THE LIFTER BEING EFFED. It is just crazy.

I don't know if it matters, but the engine has over 72,000 miles, I am the only owner. I have changed the oil every 5k (with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum).

Hey, I’m not super familiar with this specific issue, but it sounds pretty strange! If the lifters and everything else look good, maybe it’s worth checking if there’s a problem with oil flow to that particular area?

It might also be worth having the camshaft journals and bearings inspected. Just a thought—hope you figure it out soon.

 

[RoadExplorer1]

Hi, guys!

What happened is just odd.
First, I had the normal, harmless hemi tick.

Though, once I was sure it wasn't anything abnormal, I checked some things:
1. I pulled the cylinder head.
- the valvetrain had no bent push rods or clear signs of wear.
- the valves looked good. Nothing to worry about.

2. I pulled the lifters
- I was expecting a scary seized roller;
- each roller locked as new - no flat spots, wiggle up/down or side to side, no gritty feeling.
- every single needle was present and good-looking.

Second, I concluded it was a borescope job so I sent it down to inspect the cam lobes.
- on the far back lobe on cylinder 8 it seems the cam is damaged.
- the filter was completely fine. Nothing wrong, again.

So, what could cause that type of damage to the cam?

That's not the typical damage you see when a cam lob wears down.

Is someone with experience here? Because I have shown it to three different friends of mine who work with such things, and they couldn't figure out how that could have happened WITHOUT THE LIFTER BEING EFFED. It is just crazy.

I don't know if it matters, but the engine has over 72,000 miles, I am the only owner. I have changed the oil every 5k (with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum).

The first thought that comes to maybe is maybe there was an issue with the installation at the factory. You would think it would smooth out after the break-in period, but if it didn't, that could be a clue.
Also, do you know if these cams are cast or forged? If they are cast, it could be an improper casting from the factory. But, could this dmg actually be the cause of the tick, or is there something else going on here?

 

[extremeDriver911]

I hadn't really considered oil flow issues, but I will definitely look into that. I am planning to check the camshaft journals and bearings as well, just to cover all the bases. The factory installation or casting problem could be something too. I didn't think about that either. Everything else seems to be fine.

As for the tick, it started pretty early, but I always thought it was just the usual harmless Hemi tick. Now I am wondering if there is a deeper issue I have been missing all along...