Cam for LA...

Funny you should say that because the cam that went south on me was a Summit cam. Slammed in a Thumper from Comp and all is fine.

Looking at all the parts of this adventure, many things can go wrong. Let’s make a list for all to see. (Maybe even add on to?)

Camshaft;
Not straight
No bevel on the lobe
Cam not treated correctly
The - soft metal thing I have only heard of once before. 1980’s Chevy’s had a big problem in there 305 & 350’s. Who remembers that?

Lifters;

Bad machining as in, not the correct diameter or
Not the correct or not at all crown ground in.
Hyd. lifter tapping noise that never goes away.
(IDK WTH is going on there!)
Lifter should be easy to spin in the bores with a light coating of oil by hand. Make this check everyone!

Engine block;

Out of round and crooked lifter bores.
Scored lifter bore.

Debrise- anywhere!
Oil pump good? New doesn’t mean good.
Block oiling system primed?
Break in oil used?
New filter?

What cam lube did you use? How long did it sit for? Was it still coated? Did you use some high pressure or cam lube on other contact points? (Rocker tips on the valve, pushrod top and bottom points.)

I like the Isky cam lube. It sticks to the cam.


The list is king and I bet someone could add on to this list of must do points. I know why my cam went south. Yours, I can guess.
I’m just glad your second stick worked! Such a nightmare when your at the finish line and you have to tear it all down again.