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MG TD TF 1500 - Cam follower mod

In the book "T Series in Detail" (Paddy Wilmer) there is a recommendation to improve the cam/tappet lubrication by "milling a channel vertically down the cam follower to allow extra lubrication".
1)Has anyone out there done this?
2)If yes, how? (I assume the groove would have to be ground, not milled, due to the hardness of the tappet).
3)How useful/necessary do you think this mod is?
Any comments appreciated.
I'm on the verge of building up the short block for my TF1500 and could incorporate this small change at this point. (I have a new stock cam and followers).
T W Moore

You can buy MGB tappets (cam followers)with this groove already ground in which we used for racing with engines doing 6000-6500 rpm.
My TF has done 43000 miles since rebuild with new 3/4 race cam and new tappets without any problems (touch wood).
In my opinion I would not bother in the TF.
Greg King TF1348

TW, yes...most of the MGVR guys do this. I believe the XPAG rebuild video by the Edney's shows this modification to the lifters also.
Gene Gillam

The modification became common when the Crane cam with the larger base circle came out. Its purpose was/is to assure that drip oil from the head gets down to the cam/tappet surface. Bud
Bud Krueger

I made little slots in the follower with the dremel hoping it would help lubricate the follower so that it can turn more freely in the guide. I think the recommend slot is somewhat deeper and broader, but I didn't want to go overboard on a system the is supposed to work well with a standard or reground cam like mine.

I like to think the larger holes are there for 'pumping' down oil to lubricate the bottom of the follower where it is touches the cam.
On the Crane cam the holes didn't reach the bottom of the guide, causing starvation off much needed oil on the cam surface. In such a situation the lower hole should be enlarged to the bottom and/or the slots should also be made under the lowest hole (instead of between the two holes).


Willem van der Veer

This is how Peter Edney modifies them:

Willem van der Veer

Thanks everyone,(especially Willem for the photos) that's what I wanted to know.
T W Moore

This thread was discussed between 12/03/2014 and 15/03/2014

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