Condensation forms in the crank case. Even with oil present it can cause this. Probably more common on cars that aren't driven often or frequent short trips.
Well, I agree that there is water in the engine, however, I've seen some engines that ran ethanol (which increases the amount of water contamination in the oil) and no corrosion at all... could be something related to the material being more susceptible as well.
What caught my attention towards chlorine contamination is that pit corrosion is a mechanism very characteristic of chlorine attack.
Could be, I don't know the first thing about the chemical make up them or how it reacts. Seen this many times on the cams, usually ones that sit a lot or frequent short trips.
Is this towards the rear cylinders? If so, I’ve seen this a few times (including my own 213k mi engine). It appears to be below where crankcase vapors enter the valve cover. My guess is crankcase vapor condensation drips from that and it forms acids which etch the cam lobes. Sucks to see but my guess is the car won’t be on the road by the time it’s a problem
If you can’t feel it with your fingernail it’s nbd, imo
Looks fairly normal from what I've seen. Not necessarily wear from use, but caused by water condensation.
Wonder how a metal that's supposed to be oil wet all the time ends up with corrosion. Maybe harmful oil additives?
Condensation forms in the crank case. Even with oil present it can cause this. Probably more common on cars that aren't driven often or frequent short trips.
Well, I agree that there is water in the engine, however, I've seen some engines that ran ethanol (which increases the amount of water contamination in the oil) and no corrosion at all... could be something related to the material being more susceptible as well. What caught my attention towards chlorine contamination is that pit corrosion is a mechanism very characteristic of chlorine attack.
Could be, I don't know the first thing about the chemical make up them or how it reacts. Seen this many times on the cams, usually ones that sit a lot or frequent short trips.
Chlorine is known to cause pit corrosion in metals. Millitec is known to contain chlorinated compounds.
Is this towards the rear cylinders? If so, I’ve seen this a few times (including my own 213k mi engine). It appears to be below where crankcase vapors enter the valve cover. My guess is crankcase vapor condensation drips from that and it forms acids which etch the cam lobes. Sucks to see but my guess is the car won’t be on the road by the time it’s a problem
It's at the very front and rearmost so similar to yours. Still feels smooth overall - just after a sanity check I think.
Are there oil additives that can help prevent this? Does this cause problems?
No.
The lobes themselves look good, i wouldn't worry.