I’m currently freshening up a1968 455 to be installed in my 65 Cutlass. Part of this included a cam swap. When I pulled the old cam I took a good look at the cam bearings. The lower half of the bearings look great with no scratches or excessive wear. The top half of the bearings have a black deposit I would best describe as burnt oil. I pulled the engine from a low mile Olds 98 (53000 miles) and the inside looks almost new. I’m on a tight budget and was not planning on replacing the cam bearings. Looking for suggestion from folks that have more experience than I on this issue. Suggestions? Thanks

 

It's probably fine as the load would be mainly on the low/bottom side of the bearing surface. Will it wipe clean with a solvent?

Best would be to measure them and post a picture.

Good luck!!!

 

I observed something similar on the mains of a original 70 350 of unknown mileage that I disassembled.
Acetone wouldn't take off the 50 year old stains.


Original GM 1970 350 bearings after 50 years and unknown mileage.

 

Parts cleaner cleaned it off a bit but not totally.

 

Its just burnt oil varnish. I wouldnt worry about it. Brake clean will probably take it off better than parts solvent.