Cam Followers

MRGJNV · Apr 5, 2010

Got a SM that we are rebuilding. What are the signs that the cam followers need fixing? What needs to be done to them? Some of ours have rusty spots on them. Also, The cam has some rusty spots on it from sitting so long. Can this be polished off with scotch brite pads? Can you get undersized cam bearings if it needs turning?

CJ_1080 · Apr 5, 2010

Im not sure about the cam bearings. The cam can be polished and reground to stock or for more power. The lifters or can be resurfaced. What ya want with the lifters is either flat or slightly convex (domed). You can do this yourself or send it out to be redone.

Janicholson · Apr 5, 2010

If they are flat with a very few rust pits (smaller than a period. I would polish them on 1200 crocus cloth, and make sure they were flat. If so run them. Same for the cam. The valve springs and inertia loads on slow moving engines is not great. Put moly based grease on them at assembly.
Unless it was run without oil, or the oil was contaminated, the cam journals will not be worn.
So standard bearings will be fine 99 of 100 times.
If they are needed at all. Jim

Cam Followers

MRGJNV

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CJ_1080

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Janicholson

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