| Author | Message | ||
     Vagelis46 |
I opened the cam covers for the 20000kms valve check, and this is what I see ... Is this normal ? Why it happened ? DO I need to replace the cam , or is it OK for another 20000kms ?  | ||
| 651lance |
You need to replace the cam. I had a similar issue with front exhaust cam and found it at my 10k service. It's seems like a bad casting. | ||
| Vagelis46 |
Bad news .... I guess I will adjust the valves, close the covers and ride it...... I will check again sooner than required ....... if it gets worse I will look for a 2nd hand cam ... I think worse case scenario is lower hp output from the front cylinder | ||
| Stevel |
Not enough information. Pull the cam and look at the journals. The photo doesn't tell me if the blemish is higher than the journal surface or lower. If the blemish is aluminum from the head, you can use a fine file to carefully remove it, then polish with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Don't worry so much about damaging the ground surface of the cam, it is very hard. Just be careful. The bigger issue is the aluminum bearing surface on the head. Even then, careful scraping with a sharp bearing scraper will easily sort that out, but be careful. Use common sense and remove only the high spots. These bearings are not critical. The top surface is the high load side of the journal. A bigger concern is if you find aluminum deposited on all the cam journals both intake and exhaust. If that is the case, it indicates insufficient oiling. Remember this point in the oiling system is furthest away from the pump and will be the first area to be affected from low oil flow. After pulling the cams and caps. Take more photos and let us know what you discover. | ||
| Vagelis46 |
Stevel , thanks for the input...... I really appreciate it..... After having a look for used parts on ebay , I decided to close the engine and ride it... If it fails it means I have to pay 100Euros extra for a used complete cylinder head...F#ck it ....... | ||
| Araignee |
+1 to Stevel for the comprehensive advice. I will be changing oil and filters from whatever the H-D dealer had in there to Motul 7100 20W50 and K & N sooner rather than later. Will also continue to check oil levels frequently until I become familiar with baseline dipstick readings both hot and cold. Good luck Vagelis46, and do let us know your outcome. Araignee | ||
| Duanelr |
This is pitting, and it's not happening on the cam's bearing surface it's happening on the cam lobe. It's going to prematurely wear the cam follower. It will keep degrading. Sorry, but you are kind of behind the eight ball on this one. If it was me, there would be no question of whether to replace it. (source= I'm an ex Kawi owner) | ||
| D_adams |
Source another cam asap and replace it. It's only going to get worse. You might be able to get a custom grind and have it re-hardened, but I'd replace it if it were me. |
