Here's a breakdown:
Reasons you *might* be able to reuse the camshaft:
* The camshaft shows no significant wear: If the lobes are smooth, free of pitting, scoring, or excessive wear, and the base circle is undamaged, it's *likely* acceptable to reuse. However, even minor wear can accelerate lifter wear.
* The original lifters failed due to a known unrelated issue: If the old lifters failed due to a problem like a collapsed spring, contamination, or incorrect adjustment, the camshaft may be fine.
Reasons you should *not* reuse the camshaft:
* Significant camshaft wear: If the cam lobes show wear, pitting, or scoring, the new lifters will quickly wear out. This is extremely common, as the camshaft and lifters wear each other down over time.
* Unknown wear history: If you don't know the history of the engine and the camshaft, it's safer to replace it. The risk of premature failure is too high.
* Roller lifters are a different design: If you are switching to a different type or brand of roller lifter, their design might not be fully compatible with your existing camshaft, potentially causing accelerated wear. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for compatibility.
Recommendation:
Before reinstalling the camshaft, carefully inspect it for wear. If you're unsure, it's best to have a qualified mechanic evaluate it. The cost of replacing a camshaft is relatively small compared to the cost of rebuilding the engine again because of premature lifter failure. Replacing the camshaft with new lifters is a far more reliable solution, especially considering the cost of labor involved.
