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Camfollowers-new or used ?

kch

Senior Member
Offline
I have bought a fast road cam for my 3000. I have also bought new cam followers from SC-parts. I have heard that the new cam-followers have caused some problems ? Should I use the old cam-followers which looks ok ? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
 
Karl, never use old followers with a new cam. Each follower develops a wear pattern unique to the cam lobe it has been running on, and used followers will destroy a new cam.
I haven't heard of any problems with the new Healey followers, but on the MG's and Triumphs there were problems with improper hardening. You may wish to have your new ones tested for hardness. They should measure no less than 51, on a Rockwell "C" scale tester.
You may also want to contact your supplier and ask if they are aware of any problems.
I hope this has helped.
Jeff
 
It's also possible to have the old followers/tappets reground by the cam shop. Elgin Cam in Washington offers this and believe they use chilled iron to keep the hardness. I heard that some of the aftermarket tappets were failing so I went with the regrind for my rebuild. The tappets are pretty easy to get to for an inspection so I will be checking them when adjusting the valves to see if they stay in good shape.

Cheers,
John
 
Karl,
Excellent advice above. It would be good to use a recommended cam/lifter lube & follow a "fast idle" (2,000 rpm for 20 minutes) cam & lifter break in procedure. Obviously, the engine must be ready to run this long, everything attached & working. Most cam/lifter problems start to happen in the first few minutes of running.
D
 
I had my cam reground to my specs by Hollman and Moody in North Carolina and my lifters were reground there as well. I have been really happy with the results but I agree with everyone else never use old lifters with a new cam or vise versa. Have them reground or get new ones. Skip
 
Intake opens at 31 btc
Intake closes at 64 abdc

Exhaust opens 67 bbdc
Ehhaust closes 28 atc

This gives a 108 degree lobe centerline
Both intake and exhaust have .425 lift
Valve lash changes to .018
Rocker ratio is 1.42

This is a great profile a smooth idle with a slight cam lope and excellent streetability.
 
Thanks for the advices. On my Triumph motorcycle I had the old followers regrounded when changing the cams ( when it comes to reproduced Triumph pars I have had som bad experience when it comes to fittings/hardenings).
I am going to use the new followers on the Healey, but as adviced, I am going to use cam-lube. I have mounted the sump, so I just have to put lube at the bottom of the followers.
We had a tire discussion earlier. I wanted the Avon ZZ CR6 for my Healey. They are impossible to get in Norway, I either have to order them from UK or Sweeden. So I am probably going for the Vredestein Srint Classic 185/70-15.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
 
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