Checking old camshaft

[MIKE/ILLINOIS]

How do I determine if the cam that came in my engine is good to use? (not running, basket case of good parts) Is it something I can check without a lot of equipment or is it a job for a machinist? The cam is still in the block but everything else is disassembled.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[rbohm]

8) best to pull it out and physically inspect it. look closely at the wear pattern on the lobes. as long as there is a narrow wear band, the cam should be good to go with new lifters. however since cams are fairly cheap, best to get a new cam. that way you can get one to match what you want from the engine.

 

[wsa111]

Mike, check the lifters if they were marked to as which lobe position they were.
If the used lifters are mixed up, scrap both camshaft & lifters.
If the lifters were marked as which lobe they were, put a straight edge on the bottom of the lifter. If the surface is concave, replace camshaft & lifters. If the wear surface is slightly convex they will be ok as long as the wear patern on the camshaft is toward the rear of the engine. If any of the lobes are pitted, replace both camshaft & lifters.
Camshafts are cheap compared to the labor to replace one in this engine.
Check classic inlines for your replacement cam. Bill

 

[MIKE/ILLINOIS]

Thanks guys,
I'll check it out.
Mike