Resolved 2G Is this nick in camshaft journal a problem?

[VT_4G63]

Upon removing my valve seals for replacement it appears I nicked the edge of a cam cap. It is really hard to get a good picture of what I am referring to, but I tried. The nick isn’t on the contact surface of the cam cap, but rather the “edge” that forms a 90-degree angle between the surface the cam rides on and the side of the cam cap.

I circled the area I am referring to in the picture.

The nick doesn't catch a finger nail or a shop towel when run against it, and the light has to catch it just right for it to even be noticeable.

Can I still run this head? Opinions would be appreciated.

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[1990TSIAWDTALON]

It will be OK. If it makes you feel better, take some 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper and just work the little nick out. If you can't feel it, your OK. It is just aluminum and the cams are hardened steel so it will conform if it needs to.

 

[VT_4G63]

Thank you for the reply, as always.

I was thinking the aluminum head vs. steel cam would work in my favor, so thank you for that reassurance.

I was hesitant to hit it with any abrasive for fear of making it worse, but if I do, I'll go with the 1000 grit like you suggested.

Thank you again

 

[curt-s]

Oh man, you should see my head's journals
they're smooth but they've been nicked and banged over the years of its life. On the edge and as long as it's not poking upwards, you're fine. Absolutely agree with Marty. The 1000 grit is just to remove any high spots.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I have used heads with FAR worse issues. You are worried for a reason but that little burr will smooth out and you are fine. Rest easy!
If you sand it, CLEAN it, just a reminder. No grit in the motor!

 

[donniekak]

Put some grease on a detail file and knock down any high spots. Then wipe clean to make sure you get all the grease.

 

[biglady112]

I sand EVERY single head and set of caps I am servicing. I haven’t seen a head in over 15 years that didn’t have some sort of damage to at least one journal and cap.