Is my cam still good?

It was exposed to some dampness for awhile and I'm pretty sure that's why the cam lobes changed color a little, 

It looks like the aluminum is starting to oxidize?

Do you guys think it is still usable?

It's a metiolous power cam number 6 and it's 3 years old but I have another identical one that's still all shiny.

Real suggestions or knowledge would be appreciated not comments like yer gunna die if you use it ... thanks guys

The cam itself is probably fine but the sling might be toast. I would contact the manufacturer and see what they say. 

Dampness , water and mold do not effect nylon, spectra or dyneema, so long as you dry it out , clean it and all, I've researched all that, and the sling never really was wet, just the cam lobes

So after very little reading I see that aluminum does not rust it corrodes. Aluminum is actually very prone to corrosion which is aluminum oxide which is said to protect the the aluminum underneath and is actually stronger.....

S2k4life wrote:

So I forgot my trunk leaks and this cam was barried in the trunk of my car, 

It was exposed to some dampness for awhile and I'm pretty sure that's why the cam lobes changed color a little, 

It looks like the aluminum is starting to oxidize?

Do you guys think it is still usable?

It's a metiolous power cam number 1 and it's 3 years old but I have another identical one that's still all shiny.

Real suggestions or knowledge would be appreciated not comments like yer gunna die if you use it ... thanks guys

Have you tried taking some Scotchbrite or sandpaper to it? I sure wouldn't worry about it. Nitpicky note: I think it is a Metolius #6.

I'm not an expert on cams, but I know a lot about aluminum and it 100% corrodes. That's pure chemistry oxidation happening there, prob fine for a while until it's not! Not worth the risk imo. 

S2k4life wrote:

So after very little reading I see that aluminum does not rust it corrodes. Aluminum is actually very prone to corrosion which is aluminum oxide which is said to protect the the aluminum underneath and is actually stronger.....

The aluminium oxide is actually a protective coating which forms in order to slow the rate of reaction of the corrosion of the aluminum, it adds no structural strength, however it will slow down corrosion

It. Is. Fine.

Thanks for y'all s input, 

I just emailed metolious 

I have not tried sandpaper or anything it's either good or it's not the rock will take care of that, 

Thats completely fine, it would take forever for enough aluminum to corrode away and the axle is made of chromoly or stainless so no harm there. Lube it up and put it back on the rack.

Aluminum does not corrode very deeply. The corrosion itself rapidly forms a protective layer. If you feel like it, sand it off or take it down with a file. Keep climbing

I would not hesitate to use it at all.   It's fine. 

Make sure the lobes rotate freely on the axle, the aluminium oxide can form a cement between the steel and aluminium.

you can knock the lobes a bit to break up some of the brittle oxide that can be trapped on the axle, then lube it up, compare with another Metolius cam to see the spring and trigger resistance.

Luc-514 wrote:

Make sure the lobes rotate freely on the axle, the aluminium oxide can form a cement between the steel and aluminium.

you can knock the lobes a bit to break up some of the brittle oxide that can be trapped on the axle, then lube it up, compare with another Metolius cam to see the spring and trigger resistance.

I am not trying to be a jerk but I am sure he did this as soon as he picked it up.   Has anyone, anywhere ever picked up a cam and not retracted the lobes??  I think it's a automatic response built into all of us to immediately start fiddling around with a cam when you pick it up.

Dave Kos wrote:

Part V - Airworthiness Manual Chapter 525 - Transport Category Aeroplanes

SUBCHAPTER D DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

525.609 Protection of Structure        

Each part of the structure must:                    

   (a) Be suitably protected against deterioration or loss of strength in service due to any cause, including:            

                (1) Weathering;                                

                (2) Corrosion; and                                

                (3) Abrasion; and                                                    

    (b) Have provisions for ventilation and drainage where necessary for protection.        

I don't know what point you are trying to make, but those shiny American Airlines planes sure are pretty.

S2k 4life wrote:

Thanks for y'all s input, 

I just emailed metolious 

I have not tried sandpaper or anything it's either good or it's not the rock will take care of that, 

You ever get a reply from metolius?  I'm in a similar predicament...

You don't need the manufacturer to tell you a little oxidation is fine. That cam is fine. Rub it off if it bothers you--you will see solid aluminum underneath.