<VV> Splitting a block over a tooth

[NicolCS at aol.com]

<snip>If It was suggested to me that I don't replace a 40 year old cam, that
apparently didn't like new lifters, I wouldn't call that an assembly issue.
<unsnip>

Cams are soft when new and quickly surface harden in use.  When the engine 
gets to the end, frequently the surface hardening is worn away and the cam is 
subject to rapid failure.  That's why you measure the height of the lobe and 
inspect the surfaces before reinstallation. That's also why you coat everything 
with moly lube - so that this high-friction (highest in the engine) contact 
surface has a chance. It's also why you start the engine and immediately rev and 
hold at 2000 rpm for about 20 minutes.  An already hardened, used cam has a 
better chance of surviving this than a new, unhardened cam, IMHO.  It's a tricky 
thing this cam break-in.  I wouldn't blame failure on a good used cam.  I 
believe a good, flat, used cam has a better chance in surviving than a new cam.  
Used lifters on a new cam, now that's a bad combo.
Craig (Eggcentric) Nicol