[Healeys] tappets - the pits :-(

[Chris Dimmock]

Hey John,
The area between the tappet and camshaft, and the oil pump drive  
spindle gear and the driving gear on a Healey cam, are the least  
lubricated, and therefore highest wearing, areas of a C Series engine  
- easpecially in a car that is revved. Like an Austin Healey. The wear  
doesn't show as quickly on a Wolsley 6/110 - or a car where 4,000 rpm  
is the exception, not the norm.
They are also the least lubricated areas on a BMC A series engine. And  
a BMC B series engine. When they are revved. Like a Spridget or an MGB.
I'd call that a fundamental design fault.
That's another discussion.....
But today, I'd look at your oil, and run in procedure.
The design for getting lubrication to these major components is  
practically non existant. It's either "drip and hope" or "splash and  
hope"
At 1,000 miles, the wear you are describing is a lubrication issue.  
Not enough lube of the correct type at startup most likely.
That's my answer. The cause was Insufficent lubrication, of the  
correct type, following a corrct process, at initial startup. 2nd best  
guess? Incorrect hardening 10 years ago.
These days, I'd never reface a cam follower. Steel quality today, and  
hardening techiques, are far better & cheaper than they were 50 years  
ago. New followers, hardened with current processes.
I use Dennis Welch followers. No financial interest. These days,  
Jeremy Welch won't sell you a billet cam without the cam followers and  
appropriate lube. Dennis told me it dramatically reduced warranty cost.
Me? I'd replace them, and get some serious reassemly lube.
Best
Chris
www.myaustinhealey.com
Sent from my iPhone

On 26/10/2011, at 4:26 PM, john spaur <jmsdarch at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Are tappet pits okay? This is really embarrassing!
>
> I just sent my rocker arm and tappets to a well known re-builder.  
> Several tappets had what I thought was extensive pitting. This  
> occurred after 1000 miles or so since resurfacing them. However, the  
> engine was not run since 2003 due to other issues. BTW, there was no  
> rust on them, just a well coated oil surface after eight years of  
> benign neglect!
>
> The re-builder told me that the pitting was minor and typical;  
> meaning that it might reoccur after another resurfacing.
>
> What causes tappet pitting? The cam looks fine. Could it be that the  
> tappets, are not rotating in their bores?
>
> I want to solve this problem!
>
> Help!!
>
> John Spaur
> '62 BT7
> ______________________________