Worn Camshaft Lobe Symptoms

The camshaft is a crucial component in the operation of a combustion engine, controlling the opening and closing of the engine’s valves to allow for proper air and fuel intake and exhaust.

The camshaft lobes, which ride on the engine’s lifters, are responsible for this movement.

These lobes can become worn or damaged, leading to a variety of symptoms that can negatively impact engine performance and efficiency.

In this article, we will explore the various symptoms of worn camshaft lobes, as well as their causes, diagnostic methods, and repair options. 

Symptoms of Worn Camshaft Lobes

Here’s how to identify the symptoms of worn camshaft lobes:

Poor Engine Performance:

One of the most common symptoms of worn camshaft lobes is poor engine performance.

You may notice a decrease in power or acceleration when driving, and the engine may struggle to reach its maximum RPM.

This is because the worn lobes are unable to open and close the valves correctly, which affects the amount of air and fuel that enters the engine’s combustion chamber.

Excessive Valve Train Noise:

Ticking, tapping, or clunking sounds in the engine due to valve lifters striking against worn lobes.

Whining or whistling noise from the camshaft or timing chain.

Decreased fuel efficiency:

Worn camshaft lobes can result in decreased fuel efficiency. This is because the engine is not operating at optimal performance due to the faulty camshaft lobes.

As a result, the engine may require more fuel to operate, leading to decreased fuel economy.

Engine misfires:

Another symptom of worn camshaft lobes is engine misfires. Misfires occur when the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber fails to ignite properly.

This can happen if the valves are not opening and closing correctly due to worn camshaft lobes.

Misfires can result in a loss of power, increased emissions, and even engine damage over time.

Low Vacuum Pressure:

Engine vacuum readings drop due to decreased compression and low power output.

A low vacuum can cause the power brake assist to fail or the HVAC system to malfunction.

Difficulty Starting the Engine:

Hard starting or extended cranking time due to low compression and uneven fuel distribution.

Rough Idling:

Another symptom of worn camshaft lobes is rough idling. When the lobes are worn, the valves may not open and close properly, resulting in an irregular flow of air and fuel to the engine’s combustion chamber.

This can cause the engine to shake or vibrate when idling, which can be felt throughout the vehicle.

Exhaust Smoke:

Excessive black smoke from the exhaust pipe caused by unburned fuel.

Blue or white smoke due to oil consumption from worn valve guides or seals.

Increased Engine Heat:

Overheating engine due to poor fuel efficiency and increased load on the cooling system.

Engine temperature gauge reading above the normal operating range.

Reduced Engine Lifespan:

Continued operation with worn camshaft lobes can cause catastrophic engine failure and costly repairs.

What Causes Worn Camshaft Lobes

Worn camshaft lobes are usually caused by insufficient lubrication, excessive wear due to high mileage or poor maintenance, or the use of low-quality or incorrect engine oil.

Here are some common causes of worn camshaft lobes:

Insufficient lubrication: 

The camshaft relies on a steady supply of oil to keep the lobes properly lubricated.

If the oil pressure is low, or if the engine is not serviced regularly, the camshaft may not receive enough oil, resulting in excessive wear and damage to the lobes.

High mileage: 

Camshaft wear can also be caused by high mileage.

Over time, the lobes can become worn down due to friction and wear, especially if the engine is not properly maintained.

Poor maintenance: 

Neglecting routine maintenance can also contribute to camshaft lobe wear.

For example, failing to change the oil and oil filter regularly can allow contaminants to accumulate in the oil, which can damage the camshaft and other engine components.

Incorrect oil: 

Using the wrong type of oil can also cause camshaft lobe wear.

If the oil is too thin, it may not provide adequate protection against wear and tear, while if it’s too thick, it may not flow properly through the engine, causing damage to the camshaft and other components.

Valve train problems: 

Valve train problems such as worn lifters, rocker arms, and pushrods can also cause excessive wear on the camshaft lobes.

These problems can cause the camshaft to move in ways it was not designed to, which can lead to premature wear and damage.

Inspection and Diagnosis

If you suspect that your engine has worn camshaft lobes, it is important to have it inspected and diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.

Here are some steps that a mechanic may take to diagnose the problem:

Visual inspection: 

The mechanic will first inspect the camshaft and other engine components visually to check for any obvious signs of wear or damage.

They may also inspect the oil passages and oil pump to ensure that oil is flowing properly to lubricate the camshaft.

Compression test: 

The mechanic may perform a compression test to check the compression levels in each cylinder.

Low compression levels may indicate that the camshaft lobes are worn and not opening and closing the valves properly.

Camshaft runout test: 

A camshaft runout test may be performed to check for any excessive runout, which can indicate that the camshaft is not aligned properly or is damaged.

Camshaft lift measurement: 

The mechanic may also measure the lift of the camshaft lobes to check for any discrepancies.

If the lift is uneven, this can indicate that the lobes are worn or damaged.

Endplay measurement: 

Endplay measurement involves checking the clearance between the camshaft and the bearings.

Excessive endplay can indicate worn bearings or a worn camshaft.

Repair Options

If your engine has worn camshaft lobes, there are a few repair options that may be available to you:

Camshaft replacement: 

A worn camshaft may need to be replaced entirely. This can be a costly repair, but it is often the best option if the camshaft is severely damaged or if the lobes are worn beyond repair.

Camshaft regrinding: 

Another option is to have the camshaft reground. This involves removing a small amount of material from the camshaft lobes to create a new, smooth surface.

This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire camshaft.

Camshaft bearing replacement: 

If the camshaft is worn due to a lack of proper lubrication, it may be necessary to replace the camshaft bearings.

This can help ensure that the new camshaft or reground camshaft lasts longer and performs better.

Engine overhaul: 

A worn camshaft may be a sign of more extensive engine damage. If this is the case, an engine overhaul may be necessary.

This can involve rebuilding or replacing many engine components, including the camshaft, to get the engine back to optimal condition.

Prevention and Maintenance

To prevent camshaft wear and maintain your engine follow these,

Regular oil changes: 

Regular oil changes are essential to keep your engine lubricated and prevent wear on the camshaft lobes.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil change intervals and use the recommended oil viscosity.

Check oil pressure: 

Low oil pressure can cause the camshaft lobes to wear out quickly.

Have your mechanic check the oil pressure regularly to ensure that it is within the manufacturer’s specifications.

Use high-quality oil and filters: 

Using high-quality oil and filters can help prevent contaminants from accumulating in the engine and causing damage to the camshaft lobes.

Keep the engine cool: 

Overheating can cause the camshaft and other engine components to wear out faster.

Make sure your engine’s cooling system is in good condition and avoid pushing the engine too hard in hot weather.

Avoid hard driving: 

Hard driving can cause excessive wear and tear on the engine, including the camshaft lobes. Avoid revving the engine excessively or pushing it to its limits.

Regular engine tune-ups: 

Regular engine tune-ups can help catch problems early and prevent wear on the camshaft lobes.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tune-up intervals and have your mechanic check the engine’s performance regularly.

FAQs

Conclusion

Worn camshaft lobes can cause a range of symptoms, from reduced engine performance to engine failure.

Some common symptoms include rough idle, reduced power and acceleration, engine misfires, and unusual engine noises.

If you suspect that your engine has worn camshaft lobes, it is important to have it inspected and diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.

Regular engine maintenance and preventative measures, such as regular oil changes, using high-quality oil and filters, and avoiding hard driving, can help prevent camshaft wear and other engine problems in the future.