Topic: rocker cam follower surface opinion

[finkbuilt]

I think I know the answer, but I'll ask anyway:

After replacing a broken rocker (thanks for the part Camelman!) I noticed that one of the other cam followers is losing its polished hardened surface. 

Does this need to be replaced? I'm guessing so.

[phil71]

you could probably smooth that out, and you'll just have to run the adjuster down a little more

[trueblue]

Replace it, it looks like the hard facing is coming off, if in doubt throw it out, the damage that can be caused if it wears through the hard facing is a lot more expensive to repair than the rocker arm itself

[finkbuilt]

you could probably smooth that out, and you'll just have to run the adjuster down a little more

So, If I wet sand this to 1500 and polish it, I should be good?   

It almost looks like 2 different metals, but I guess that it has just lost some polish?

[Tim2005]

I'm with trueblue, that looks ready for retirement to me.

[trueblue]

It isn't 2 different metals, the end of the rocker arm is heat treated to be hardened, which alters the structure of the metal and makes it look like 2 different metals, the other question is what does the cam lobe look like that the rocker arm runs on because it isn't too common to see one part worn away and its mating part have no damage whatsoever. 

[phil71]

Ha, forgot about that. yeah... what DOES that cam lobe look like?

[finkbuilt]

It isn't 2 different metals, the end of the rocker arm is heat treated to be hardened, which alters the structure of the metal and makes it look like 2 different metals, the other question is what does the cam lobe look like that the rocker arm runs on because it isn't too common to see one part worn away and its mating part have no damage whatsoever.

The cam lobe looks fine, slight scratch maybe.

[finkbuilt]

It isn't 2 different metals, the end of the rocker arm is heat treated to be hardened, which alters the structure of the metal and makes it look like 2 different metals, the other question is what does the cam lobe look like that the rocker arm runs on because it isn't too common to see one part worn away and its mating part have no damage whatsoever.

So, let me get this straight:  The heat treating only affects a very thin surface layer of the steel?  So, just repolishing the pads wont really work?

[singedebile]

It isn't 2 different metals, the end of the rocker arm is heat treated to be hardened, which alters the structure of the metal and makes it look like 2 different metals, the other question is what does the cam lobe look like that the rocker arm runs on because it isn't too common to see one part worn away and its mating part have no damage whatsoever.

So, let me get this straight:  The heat treating only affects a very thin surface layer of the steel?  So, just repolishing the pads wont really work?

correct,

[donpark1086]

Hard chromium plating (i.e. not decorative plating) on steel rocker base is flaking off due to cyclic stress.  Replace it.

[finkbuilt]

Hard chromium plating (i.e. not decorative plating) on steel rocker base is flaking off due to cyclic stress.  Replace it.

ah, that makes more sense.  I thought that it looked like 2 different metals, and looks to be "peeling" off, not just wearing off.

 thanks. 

I'll replace a few of them that look to be starting to do this at the margins.

[trueblue]

The heat treating process is only done on the tip otherwise the rocker arm would be too brittle and crack, some engines have chrome plating on the tips because this method is cheaper and easier to do on mass than hard facing, but either way whatever these engines have it is flaking/wearing off and the arm requires replacing, and nicks or marks on the cam should be polished off with some fine emery tape, I usually use old 480 grit tape, stuff that is half worn out, mainly because we have heaps of it laying around the shop from the crank linisher.

[Retro Rocket]

you could probably smooth that out, and you'll just have to run the adjuster down a little more

So, If I wet sand this to 1500 and polish it, I should be good?   

It almost looks like 2 different metals, but I guess that it has just lost some polish?

Replace it.....Mine are even ceramic coated as well, as True blue says, they are Hardened and the hard part is failing, which will eventually lead to a top end failure.........Cycle X sells ceramic coated sets cheap.....Once again ....REPLACE IT.....

[finkbuilt]

Replace it.....Mine are even ceramic coated as well, as True blue says, they are Hardened and the hard part is failing, which will eventually lead to a top end failure.........Cycle X sells ceramic coated sets cheap.....Once again ....REPLACE IT.....

Will definitely replace.  It looks like cycle X only sells 750 rockers, but I will call.  Thanks for the tip.

[Flying J]

I wonder if cycle x will do a set of 550 rockers..... Im in the same boat.

[Retro Rocket]

I wonder if cycle x will do a set of 550 rockers..... Im in the same boat.

Ken is pretty easy to deal with and if he is sending 750 rockers off to be coated i see no reason why , if you sent him some 500-550 rockers, no reason to not do them for you....Send him an email....Mention you are from this site as well.....

[Greggo]

I'd go for a set if the price is reasonable.