Ironhead cam lobes

[RicThompson]

Obviously cams wear. How much is acceptable? Take a SIFTON cam for example with nice broad lobes, how much wear on the corners is acceptable? How about a small patch of the hard layer missing? What can be done to salvage? Has anyone ever used or recommend a regrind service?

[Hippysmack]

How about some pics and measurements?

[kitabel]

Does the roller over-ride the edge of the lobe?

[GA_Ironhead]

FWIW, Black Widow Cams bought the old Sifton masters and equipment at auction. V-Twin bought the Sifton name. BW may be able to help you out. Blackwidowcams.com, now http://www.crazyhorsespeedshop.com/

[RicThompson]

Originally Posted by GA_Ironhead

FWIW, Black Widow Cams bought the old Sifton masters and equipment at auction. V-Twin bought the Sifton name. BW may be able to help you out. Blackwidowcams.com, now http://www.crazyhorsespeedshop.com/

That's good information. I will contact them. Thank you.

[bustert]

cams are surface hardened. yes they can be repaired but usually more cost effective to buy new unless you are reshaping the profile.
if you have radius ride, that needs to be corrected, should be nil. radius ride stresses the assy as contact angle will cause cam walk.
i have some high mileage p's that are showing some pitting but with hd quality back then, could have been there from the factory, if it fits>ship!

[RicThompson]

Originally Posted by bustert

cams are surface hardened. yes they can be repaired but usually more cost effective to buy new unless you are reshaping the profile.
if you have radius ride, that needs to be corrected, should be nil. radius ride stresses the assy as contact angle will cause cam walk.
i have some high mileage p's that are showing some pitting but with hd quality back then, could have been there from the factory, if it fits>ship!

I've contacted several establishments on repairing my cams. From what I have learned they are repairable but it's not cheap. Fortunately #4 is the one I am most concerned with and the easiest on my bike to look at regularly. When it goes back together I'll break in the new rings and change the oil to a good synthetic. Hopefully a quality lubricant will give me a few more miles out of these cams.

[GA_Ironhead]

Who's willing to do the work?

[RicThompson]

Originally Posted by GA_Ironhead

Who's willing to do the work?

www.crazyhorsespeedshop.com/about-us-1.htm
https://www.americancustomcam.com/index.htm
https://www.crower.com/

All three have responded positively. I'm not in a financial position to have the work done.

[Ferrous Head]

If it's only at the edge of the lobe this may not be a problem.

The lifters should run on the middle of the cam lobe, not near the edge. With second hand cams you can often see just exactly where the lifter is running.

Having a hard surface layer mans if the cams are dropped onto a hard surface you can "chip" the surface on the side of the cam. If the chip isn't too big it may not be a problem.

keep a careful eye out for shiny metal when you do your oil change.