Engine Problems Explained: Cam And Lifter Wear

Cam and lifter wear is a common issue in engines that can lead to significant problems if not addressed. That’s why we’re covering it in this post. In it, we’ll explain:

• What is cam and lifter wear. 
• Why cam and lifter wear happens.
• What happens if it isn’t fixed.
• And, how we at Powertrain Products Inc. address this issue in our remanufactured engines.

What Is Cam And Lifter Wear?

Cam and lifter wear occurs when the surfaces of the camshaft and lifters experience excessive friction and wear down over time. This wear can lead to reduced engine performance, increased noise, and, eventually, engine failure. 

As shown in this video of a GM L94 6.2-liter V8 engine, both the cam and lifters show signs of wear and damage. After tearing this engine down, we also discovered that repairs had been made at one point but still showed significant signs of wear after the work was done. 

Damage Caused By Cam And Lifter Wear

Several factors contribute to cam and lifter wear, including inadequate lubrication, poor-quality oil, and extended periods of engine idling. Over time, these factors cause the metal surfaces of the camshaft and lifters to grind against each other, leading to wear and tear. 

In the above video of the Chrysler Hemi engine, we demonstrate what happens when an engine experiences cam and lifter problems. As the cam and lifter surfaces wear down, the lift and duration of the valve opening are affected. In other words, the valves no longer open properly, which can lead to:

• Reduced engine efficiency
• Increased engine noise
• Increased emissions
• Possible engine failure

To help prevent those issues, many manufacturers will machine their cams and lifters to have a raised surface, like the ones in the Jeep 2.5-liter engine in the video below.

Fixes Offered By Powertrain Products

Addressing cam and lifter wear is a critical part of PPI’s remanufacturing process. Each engine undergoes a complete teardown and a thorough inspection before being rebuilt using high-quality parts. When we encounter issues like cam and lifter wear, we replace the worn components with top-grade parts, as shown in the video below:

Why Choose Powertrain Products?

Powertrain Products Inc. offers high-quality remanufactured engines with better cams and lifters to help prevent issues like premature wear. Our engines are built with precision and care to ensure reliability and longevity, which is why we offer a 3-year standard warranty on all of our engines, transmissions, differentials, and transfer cases. That standard warranty can be upgraded to 5 or 7 years or 1 million miles, whichever comes first. For the ultimate protection, you can add our no-fault Pure Care™ Warranty to your purchase.

At Powertrain Products, we strive to make every aspect of your engine or transmission replacement seamless and stress-free. For more details, explore our product page.

Got questions? You can call us at 888-842-0023 or contact us online.