31 replies to this topic

[Magna-Flash]

I was about to mount my new SW5 today - but I think I messed up big-time!   

I lost grip for a short second and dropped it a very short bit, but it hit something on the way - and when I examined it for damage I found this on the fourth lobe from the oil pump:

 

 

 

Now - I´m really angry at myself right now! Please tell me - is this beyond what´s acceptable or can I fix it?

 

[Cooperman]

Get a piece of fine emory cloth and make sure the edges are not sharp. Polish our the damage without abraiding the lobe surface.

The follower runs clear of the edges of the lobe so it won't be a problem.

[Magna-Flash]

Get a piece of fine emory cloth and make sure the edges are not sharp. Polish our the damage without abraiding the lobe surface.

The follower runs clear of the edges of the lobe so it won't be a problem.

 

Ah! Thanks Coop! Ok - will 400 emory cloth do? 

[cal844]

Yeah but ensure the shape of the lobe is kept as near as possible

[The Otter]

As Cooperman says, you'll need to make sure there are no sharp edges to the little dink, as any sharp edges/corners are stress raising areas, which means that cracks will form much more easily from these points than anywhere else. Obviously a crack would eventually lead to total failure of the cam and it would snap in half in an extreme case. 

Edited by The Otter, 28 April 2014 - 07:13 PM.

[Cooperman]

You would be most unlikely to snap an A-series cam, although the damage must be smoothed out. But, do not let the emory cloth touch the cam lobe surface anywhere, just abraid down the slight area of damage so that there are no sharp edges. If you have a small circular draw-file you could use that first, then finish off with the emory.

It'll be fine, don't worry about it.

[Magna-Flash]

Thanks everybody! I´ve already smoothed it down and reinstalled the cam (after cleaning it ofcourse...).

Was a bit nervous there - but thanks to the almighty knowledgebase on this forum I can now safely go to bed...

[Cooperman]

Sleep well and think about driving flat out along a narrow country lane in your mighty Mini  .

[Captain Mainwaring]

You would be most unlikely to snap an A-series cam, although the damage must be smoothed out. But, do not let the emory cloth touch the cam lobe surface anywhere, just abraid down the slight area of damage so that there are no sharp edges. If you have a small circular draw-file you could use that first, then finish off with the emory.

It'll be fine, don't worry about it.

 

 

Use an oil stone, much better.

[Magna-Flash]

Hmm... when I posted this topic I also sent the pics to Swiftune, with the same question.

Got a mail from them today:

 

We have examined your pictures and if we were building an engine we would not fit the cam, the damage is at the point of most load.

Sorry we cannot advise different.

 

More confused now... 

[cian]

Would be a shame to dump a brand new cam for that, as cooperman said emery cloth to remove the ridge

[Gremlin]

What else were you expecting, they are naturally being very cautious and also if you buy a new cam they get a load more money. It is fine as long as there is nothing protruding as said above, what did it hit?

[myredmini]

Plus they will need to cover their own back in the unlikely event it did cause an issue. So long as there is no ridge/lip it should be fine.

[cal844]

Why not weld a small blob of weld, then emery cloth it back? Or am i being silly?

[Carlos W]

Why not weld a small blob of weld, then emery cloth it back? Or am i being silly?

 

No, just take Coopermans advice.

 

Don't start welding bits on, it wont end well