My thoughts too Dave. Will update post later on Saturday. Have a work colleague who was an engine development bod for many many years so am showing him pics tomorrow.
The specified by Ducati oil. Shell advanced I believe. Whatever it is the dealer put it in on its last service.
Marking looks similar, but not as severe, as when I seized the trumpet and that was from the sheer heat of spinning engine with likely engine oil starvation
If it was my bike I'd want the oil pump checked as part of the repair. If pump pressure is below optimum logically it's the vertical cylinder head that will suffer first.
Definitely related to something else! Oil starvation to the other bank, Water damage I think not! Only 2 things that could possibly cause that or 3 if you account for incorrect valve adjustment. But it’s either a case hardening defect or lack of lubrication! ….. Sorry but I’m not buying the whole damp, condensation, moisture bollocks! Hope you get it sorted and your not having to pay any extortionate bills
No contamination of water in oil. Breather ok. No other explanation offered apart from moisture damage!!
Not sure if it’s just me. But I’m not really sure how they’ve come to the conclusion moisture is involved ? It doesn’t look like moisture at all in anyway to my eyes ? It looks like it’s worn. Could be something out of spec, could be oil issue. but really not sure how they’ve got to moisture
I’m not s mechanic but 2 other motorcycles mechanics I’ve shown the pictures to say it’s not moisture. Also engine development (including race teams) engineer agrees; not moisture. If moisture can do that to a can lobe then people I’ve spoken to say the cam is chocolate. A sintered hardened surface will not get water damage, unless it’s faulty material. If moisture, where is it from? Or the followers are out of spec and they’ve caused the damage, If it was moisture both valve trains on both cylinders would be affected; which they are not.
Everything in the engine will have a residual oil film from its last use, which would protect it all from any moisture from lack-of-use condensation. I agree with you that this moisture thing is bollocks unless those parts have never seen oil!
I agree with the other comments - that is not water damage, no way. I suspect they are trying to shift blame on to the owner/operator by suggesting water damage due to short runs or starting the bike but not warming it up properly. (Or perhaps Ducati got Honda to make some camshafts for them at some point! )
Plenty of oil residue on the cam gears so why the excessive wear on the cams? doesn't look like lack of oil or moisture! I really hope that Ducati do the right thing for you.
