A question for Mazda experts (about camshaft)
 

I happen to be working on the Mazda engine in my old '80 626. The engine is a 1586cc 55kw "NA" SOHC engine.

So anyway, I pulled off the valve cover, and found out that the cam is pitted in one area at least. It doesn't appear to be pitted by rust, as everything in there is well oiled and no rust is visible.

The question is... Should I try to find a replacement, and what cams from what engines should be able to fit it? The NA, VC, and MA engines should be quite similar, right?

I could also have the cam reground, but the pitting is pretty deep, maybe 0.5 mm. Other than that the cam looks to be in good condition-no rust, doesn't appear to be very worn, etc.

Many thanks.

1980 engines are before my time. You could try asking at Mazdas247.com, but most of the guys own 90's - modern Mazdas, as well. :(

If its pitted on the downside I would not worry, if on the high point then yes

I took a look at the cam, and the chip is on a high side, right at the top.

The guys on the mazda626.net answered my question. The NA, MA, and VC cams are interchangeable, though the MA cam has more lift and duration. I'll probably go the replacement route.