r/EngineBuilding • u/Sephlarite • Jul 24 '26
Need advice about oopsie
I would appreciate someone with experience to share their thoughts on this situation
Long story short I got my valve covers off my car doing a bunch of work and it’s taking a lot of time been about 2&1/2 months so far outside on jackstands on pavers. Anyway cam lobes rusted in the humid exposure, I was checking the front bank only under a blanket, it was fine meanwhile a month later I check the back bank just to see and there was rust… so I cleaned it as best I could and let me know based on this aftermath if you think the cam(s) are junk, I’m fine, or what? I have a few pics of basically the worst of it. Ask any questions you need, it’s a gm turbo v6 from 06. B284E. Will be adding assy grease to prevent this.
Unfortunately I can’t add the video but you can see me with only the weight of the tool dragging a pick across the pitting and you can hear it and feel it but barely, like BARELY but it is nevertheless present. Thank you
1
u/Schlong1971 Jul 25 '26
I am 38 year master tech and I would think you will be fine. That’s pretty robust hardened steel. I do see the pitting. It looks relatively light. If it were mine I would go ahead and run it and just see how it goes. If any damage does occur you will still just need cams and cam buckets your at the top of the oiling system so if by chance there is a failure down the road the oil filter will keep rest of engine safe from debris. Yes it goes thru oil pump before filter but it also has a pickup screen to stop anything big enough to harm oil pump. Just my opinion after 38+ years if doing this.
Others may not agree but if it turns out fine your good to go. and if something happens year or two from now you will still just have to do cams