chattownls

So I am in the process of building this eBay engine for a Volvo wagon and yesterday noticed a strange wear mark while getting ready for the cam swap. Could be a machined place but if so it's suspicious cause there is a small rolled lip at the end and it is super close to the bottom of the cam bearing. This is my first LS to play with so thought I'd see what the gurus here have to say. The crank looks fine with no marks that I can find. I haven't checked the crank end play as of yet as I ran out of time working on it yesterday. What do you all think?

grinder11

iTrader: (1)

Hard to tell from the pic. Looks like most of the babitt is worn off the bearing shell, leaving copper/bronze underlay. You should probably have new cam bearings installed, especially if you're going with a cam and stiffer valve springs. My .02

chattownls

I appreciate it! I was really referring to that mark under the cam bearing. From the bottom of the engine. A buddy of mine is building a 6.0 and actually sent me a pic yesterday of his and it is exactly the same. Just looks like a really strange place for a machined surface. I was afraid the crank had kissed it at some point but no signs of wear on it. I appreciate the advise and feedback!

theunderlord

Seconding installing new cam bearings, they're cheap.

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

I thought seeing a copper color on the cam bearing was normal wear per GM.

G Atsma

Well, IF you see them you have broken the cardinal rule on cam bearings- NEVER look at them.... lol

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

Well, after you've broken that rule, a little silver spray paint and they are as good as new.

G Atsma

Genius!! LOL

chattownls

So I know everyone is talking about the cam bearings but I was actually talking about the half moon spot under the cam bearing. I made some arrows..

Metalchipper

Hello,
If you are asking about this in red, it is just normal a factory clearance cut.
The rolled lip could just be a burr left by the mill cutter.
Hope this helps.

grinder11

iTrader: (1)

Could be. I suggested based on the fact he was doing an engine removal, and overhaul. If not, my bad......

bbond105

It may be okay, but if it was my engine, I would replace any bearing that looked like that.

chattownls

I am new to this forum so I guess everything has to be approved or whatever but I tried to post a pic with arrows yesterday morning.
Yes, the area you circled in red is what I was referring to and you answered my question perfectly. I really appreciate it and I thank everyone for the recommendation of new cam bearings. I will be doing that shortly. Thank you all!