Reading the signs of a worn cam and tappets

[Barney Gaylord <barneymg@ntsource.com>]

I have just disassembled my original MGA 1500 engine, once rebuilt, several
times repaired, and now with over 200,000 miles on the original cam and
tappets. The cam and tappets were still servicable but ailing slightly,
with one cam lobe worn down about 0.035".  If anyone's interrested, there's
a new section on my web site dealing with basics of cam tech.  Start here:

  http://www.ntsource.com/~barneymg/mgtech/engine/cm101.htm

There is a short explanation of how tappets work when they interface with
the cam lobes.  There are also pictures of the cam and tappets showing
what's good and what's bad, and what to measure and how to evaluate whether
your old cam is still servicable.

All comments welcome,

Barney Gaylord
1958 MGA with an attitude
  http://www.ntsource.com/~barneymg