Cam problem

Thor · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 11:34 PM

I just installed a cam, it's a Comp Cam 54-446-11 LS1 XER281HR-12. I have all components installed that go with the cam, pushrods, springs, lifters etc.

My problem is this, since the cam install, I get engine check light. I have had the Tech2 attached and it throws a Cam Sensor error. I have now replaced the cam sensor (new). I still get the code. Once the car starts it's runs like a dream.

The Tech2 also showed No Cam Signal. Now, my understanding is that the cam sensor works by magnetics. Is there a magnetic mark on the back of the cam that passes by the sensor to tell it TDC. Has there been instences where the magnetic strip has been left of the cam? What other causes could it be. I don't want to pull the cam back out and find out there's nothing wrong with it.

It's a LS1 GenIII.

amick · #2 (**permalink**) 08-11-2010, 05:27 PM

Thor do you have the serial number on this camshaft by chance?

Thor · #3 (**permalink**) 08-12-2010, 05:49 PM

Hi Aaron,
Unless the serial no. is printed on the box, I won't find out what it is till I pull it out of the motor. Probably do it on the weekend.

amick · #4 (**permalink**) 08-12-2010, 06:51 PM

Yes sir the serial number should be on the white sticker on the end of the box.

Thor · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010, 01:09 AM

Ok, I actually pulled the cam out. The only numbers I can see on the cam are 54-446-11 which is the part no. Also 2870R R, 10057 Comp Cams & J022 011. The sticker on the box has (barcode) 0 36584 06866 2, also 2007159.

Why do you ask for the serial no.? Was there a bad batch? The Cam and Lifters were purchased from Discount Performance Parts, Richmond MS.

I'm still no wiser why I get the Cam Sensor error.

I take pride in my car and also making go better and faster. So all instructions were followed carefully. I ran the cam in as instructed 30min at 2000rpm and all parts were more than sufficiently lubed with Penrite Cam Lube.

Now another issue has come to light, one of the lobes has a sort of pitting wear on it (looks like no.1 exhaust). How can this be with less than 500 miles drive time.

I am also running, as suggested for this cam-
7955-16 Pushrods
26918-16 Valve Springs
774-16 Steel Retainers
623-16 Super Valve Locks
511-16 Valve Seals

As purchased direct from Comp Cams, customer order no. 61432806084, invoice no. 160532-00 on 08/10/2009.

I was lead to believe Comp Cams were one of the best Cam manufactures around, but this is the second cam in less then 12 months with pitting wear on a lobe. I thought the first one was my fault by not running the correct oil or maybe because I didn't change the lifters the first time. But I purchased new lifters with this cam and used Penrite 5w-40 oil as suggest by a couple of guys that build engines. Now this cam has wear on a lobe as well. It's got me beat.

I do run a SLP High Volume High Pressure Oil Pump and Double Row Timing chain as well.

I can send photos if you give me an email address.

Short of setting fire to my car, I am stumped.

amick · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010, 06:20 PM

Thor why don't you just send the camshaft in to me so we can do a full inspection on the cam to check for any issues with it. You can send the pics to my e-mail at amick@compcams.com. You can also include in that e-mail your full name, phone number, and shipping address if you would. This way I can get an RMA number written for you to send it in under.

As far as being one of the best cam manufacturers out there, I would have to say we are easily the best one out there. We have less than a one percent return rate and offer a one year from date of purchase warranty on all of our parts. If you are having a problem with any thing from us I am sorry but lets get it in here and make sure it’s the camshaft and not something else.

Thor · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2010, 06:58 PM

Hi Aaron, I sent you an email a few days ago, but haven't heard back from you.

amick · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 11:22 AM

Thor I have recieved your pictures and will be getting back with you sometime today.

amick · #9 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 06:53 PM

Thor I am waiting on my Warranty mangaer to see how he wants to handle your situtation. I will let you know something in the morning as soon as he gets back to me.

Thor · #10 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 08:11 PM

Thanks Aaron, I don't mind sending the cam back to the States. I really just need answers. Why is there lobe wear? Why do I get the cam sensor/no cam signal error? I can put another cam in the car, but will it fix the issue. If the cam is soft, then a new cam may fix the lobe wear issue, but I can't get my head around why it would be haveing issues in the first place, as much as I try and analyze it.