cleaning a cam?

[det_riot]

So short background story, as I was getting ready to swap heads onto my car, I've been looking into getting a camshaft while I'm tearing it apart. I found a deal online for an anderson b4 and the only downside is the camshaft lobes have a tiny bit of surface rust? On them. Should I stay away or can tghey clean up relatively easy? Could I go look at it and see if they'll clean up before I buy it? A quick response is greatly appreciated!

 

[uncltrvlnmatt]

Let it go. If the surface is not smooth it will wear the lifters prematurely.

 

[det_riot]

 

[uncltrvlnmatt]

Did you buy it? IMO that thing is junk.

 

[det_riot]

No, I didn't buy it. The guy works for roush though and said he'd try polishing it up but isn't polishing going to mess with the specs of the cam?

 

[wytstang]

Nothing you would notice, it it's surface rust and it's cleaned off and polished (Emery cloth) that would give you a smooth surface. With a roller lifter I think you would be fine.

 

[ryclef331]

WD40 and "00" steel wool....youll be good. As long as there isn't a bur that can snag your nail on it, you'll be good.

 

[cantbuytime]

The cam is fine. I have seen much worse clean up to almost new..

Do as Ryclef331 said. Steel wool and PB Blaster..

Then some 1500 grit sandpaper and polish it with a buffer wheel..

Thats how we clean up cams at the machine shop. been doing it for 15 years..