380 sl camshaft question.

[deportes]

Looking to buy a camshaft, called a used parts recycler and he asked for the stamped number, what does the number mean? I have one with a number D-63.

[Strife]

The important numbers are (unfortunately) at the back end of the cam. A matched pair would be a 62(left)/63(right). According to the shop book I have this pair should be for a 380SL. It is possible to read this number with a mirror and flashlight off of your cam with the valve cover off (the driver's side should be a 62). Let me guess, the right rear lobe wore out, hmmm? Make sure to get a new follower and if required the right shim or you will be getting another one soon! Guess how I know this. There are a lot of posts on this and "the other" website concerning how important the oil tube fittings are in cam longevity.

[deportes]

Very interesting, the lobe that went flat is the number 3 cylinder front lobe, not the 4th back lobe like you suggested. The car has 200k and the lube tube was clear and the pinhole was also clear.
The new 1 goes for 237.49. May need to get a new vs a used 1. What is the difference between the sel, se, sl camshaft? The parts house sells them with the same part numbers with a 62 or a 63.

[hookedon210s]

If the camshaft numbers on the back of the camshaft are the same, the camshafts are indeed the same. Mark

[deportes]

Found a camshaft with correct 63 number in Oakland Silvr Star for 150 used. I will check it out for wear. Thanks.