Detroit Diesel Engines

Sounds like the infamous 1978 small block Chevy wiped out cam lobe due to insufficient hardening.

My M-I-L had the same problem on her 78 Pontiac Grand Am with a 350 Chevy motor.
Of course, somebody who will remain unknown, stuck a rather healthy cam in it.
Father In Law took it for a ride and stood on it only to find the rear tires going up in smoke.