Dry looking cam during PCV replacement

[Brownfaux]

So I'm replacing my valve cover gaskets, 3VZE, in hopes of killing my oil leaks. In the process, my buddy said the cam looked a little burnt on the pass side, like it want getting enough oil. After a bit of research I see sludge perhaps , which I read is a direct result of a clogged PCV valve.

Anyone have input on what to do next? New PCV and close it back up with a new gasket?

 

[KidVermicious]

That does look dark. Almost makes you want to measure the cam lobes, how easy is it to pull the cam?

 

[RAWTAZ]

How many miles are this truck?

What oil do you run, weight and type?

TAZ

 

[Brownfaux]

160,000. No clue on oil. Just got it

 

[RAWTAZ]

160,000. No clue on oil. Just got it

With out having any history, I am not sure I would do anything but a oil change with the recommended weight of oil. And then I would do another in about 1500 or 2000 miles and see how it looks after that.

If the previous owner was less than stellar on changing the oil, and you attempt to clean up that mess you will most likely acquire some leaks from seals or gaskets.

I have seen some use heavier oils to mask issues with worn rings or valve guides or products like motor medic and STP in a greater than recommended amount and have this type of issue.

Clean regular oil of the recommended weight is where I would start and make a few quick oil changes and see where it is after that.

How long was the motor sitting when you took that picture? Not sure if it is really dry or was just all drained down.

And the only oil additive I would use is Lucas Oil Stabilizer.

TAZ

 

[Brownfaux]

Cool. Yeah the previous owner just drove the piss out of it I'm thinking. Timing belt was way overdue, rear axle needs seals, few other things. I'm jut going over and getting it right.

It had been sitting a few days when I took the picture. Driver side looked great, although there was some visible chipping in the edges of the lobes, I think it's the lobes.

Could a bad PCV valve increase the pressure in there enough to not let enough oil in? My buddy said it looked burnt, so we don't really think it was dry when we pulled it, but perhaps dry while running.

Oh and thank you very much for the reply, I really appreciate the help!

 

[RAWTAZ]

Bad PCV Valve is going to allow the vapors to build up in the engine but out side of that the PCV is more of a EPA thing then anything. Not having a PCV valve would allow a positive crankcase pressure which would exacerbate blow by the valve guides but this motor is fairly large and under powered. So I doubt that it would be much of a problem.

If the motor was run and that cam was 'DRY' you would see scores in the lob and that would happen very quickly. I think it is just poor maintenance, grime.

 

[Brownfaux]

Anything I should look at to make sure it's getting enough oil, lines in, whatever? Also , the driver side looked great by comparison. Anything to that?