07-03-2018, 01:05 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-03-2018, 11:58 AM by Speedex750.)
I've just had a road cam done by Paul Bonewell, in conversation with him he said that 0.8" is the maximum radius that should be used otherwise the follower digs into the flank causing very high wear. I do know of an engine that does have completely flat followers, it doesn't do many miles per year and is still going, but I'm not recommending this.
Expanding the topic slightly, I also found out the hard way that re-profiled cams may need the end of the follower narrowing - tapering in the flat sides either side of the radius. I've seen followers like this before but only with the current engine and cam have I ended up with them riding on the unground part of the shank giving very odd timing and lift figures. The tappets seem to be slightly offset to the cam lobes and if the re-ground area is quite narrow the follower can ride on the shank of the camshaft. Beware!
Dave
Expanding the topic slightly, I also found out the hard way that re-profiled cams may need the end of the follower narrowing - tapering in the flat sides either side of the radius. I've seen followers like this before but only with the current engine and cam have I ended up with them riding on the unground part of the shank giving very odd timing and lift figures. The tappets seem to be slightly offset to the cam lobes and if the re-ground area is quite narrow the follower can ride on the shank of the camshaft. Beware!
Dave