cam followers

Post by **XDB** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 1:36 am

I have 2 set of cam followers for my 1098 engine. One lot have drain holes and the other lot don't. Does anyone know why and which are the better version?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:49 pm

They eliminated the drain holes in the later ones - just a cost saver I think. If the ones with drains are in good order I would use them - helps to lubricate the cam lobes. However - don't use any with 'pits' or 'crazing' - they must be smooth and even however slight rub marks are ok.

Post by **XDB** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:23 pm

Thanks as always, luckily the ones with the drain holes are excellent.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:29 pm

Good - quite sought after actually for modified engines - and it's almost impossible to drill the later ones because they have been hardened.

Post by **les** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:02 pm

I have a feeling that it had been suggested that the hole was a weak point, can't recall if that was the official line.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:05 pm

It should be off to the side - and is almost essential for good follower lubrication if using high lift cam with heavy springs. Some make a flat down the side of the follower as an alternative route for the oil - but I don't fancy that!

Post by **les** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:19 pm

Just found the information I thought i'd read. It comes from a David Vizard book, and his opinion is that the hole does not appear to prolong the life of the follower and if you have the choice use the undrilled ones, as plenty of oil get around the follower without the hole! In fact the more tuned the less desirable this hole becomes. It seems this guy has a pretty extensive knowledge of the A series.

Post by **XDB** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:29 pm

Thanks Les, for the trundling I have in mind I think the drilled ones will be ok, the solid ones have wear marks on the face, I don't want to use them if I can help it.

Post by **les** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:35 pm

I think you'd have to be very unlucky to have problems with them in a standard Minor!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:22 pm

I've read Mr Wizard many a time - but from my own experiences of very powerful A series - the drilled followers are the way to go!

Post by **les** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:01 pm

You and David Vizard will have to agree to differ then. You should write a book!!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:47 am

Many don't agree with everything Wizard says - although by and large it is an excellent book.

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:19 pm

Dont know if this applies in this case but if you are fitting a different cam you should change the followers as a matter of course.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:18 pm

I would say that's the case with performance high lift cams/heavy valve springs - but for a standard set-up as long as the followers pass a close inspection with no pits or crazing - they will be fine.