I have been experiencing symptoms that appear to be similar to those of worn cam lobes and rocker arms. They appear to have uneven wear but I wanted to confirm with those that have more experience recognizing what that looks like. Please take a look at the attached pictures.

 

Could be from excess heat,wrong oil used(usually these two go hand and hand) or a stopped/restricted oil galley,or could even be soft heat treatment related,same as what many early Polaris cams went through.

 

Thanks OPT! Based on your experience does the cam and rocker show the kind of wear that would warrant replacement?

I got the ATV four months ago and it had a lot of water in the oil. Below is a pic of the first oil change. After five oil changes I think I finally have eliminated the water...

 

Oil looks like a caramel glaze for dipping apples.. Yep water could have a lot to do with oil thinning and cam wear. Plus I'd kinda be worried about the piston and rings also.. My two cents is I'd be saving up for a rebuild in the future if it still runs good enough for now.

 

OPT, thank you for the help! I recently put in a new piston, rings, and valves so I hope after the new cam and rocker arms it will be running like new.