removing rust from cam lobes?

[econo racer]

I looked at selling a few new camshafts I kept in my office and they have light rust with some pits. Will emery or scotts brite clean them up. I might have 30 cams they keep poppin up. there are some good grinds in there. Also found a nice 402 crank shaft. I have to sell everything as I will be starting a new job hopefully in March.

[travis]

Fine steel wool works well for light rust. Pits might be a problem though

[CamKing]

If the lobes have pits, they will likely fail during break-in.

[rustbucket79]

CLR spray does wonders for surface rust, just be sure you’re outside with the garden hose and compressed air and WD 40.

[jeff swisher]

Cams with rust can be reground but I would not run them.
If it is just on the journals and light rust I have no issues removing that rust with a wire wheel and running them

[PackardV8]

Too many variables to answer that question with a yes/no/maybe. Flat tappet or roller? Solid or hydraulic? Stock/street or race? New or reground? Warranty or as-is-where-is-take-your-chances-swap-meet?

In the obsolete engine business, it's usually low spring pressures, low RPM and that's the only cam in the known world, so it gets cleaned and run; minor rust pits on cast iron lobes were no issue.

At the other end is a tool steel cam going in a 9,000 RPM NASCAR engine having to last 500 miles for the series championship.