Checking Cam wear
Turbo Mini Forums

Just building up my turbo engine at the moment, and I want, if possible, to use my Morspeed Phase 2 cam. It's a very tractable torquey cam, which has always returned good MPG.

How can I tell if it is still usable, or if it has worn excessively? Is it just a case of measuring the difference between minimum/maximum lift, and checking it matches the figures here:

----------------------------------------
The Morspeed phase 2 (Fast road) Based on 1 example only;
Checking height: 0.016" @ lobe
Timing: (Intake): 20/52 (Exhaust): 56/16
Nominal lobe lift: (Intake): 0.305" (Exhaust): 0.298"
Duration (Intake): 252 (Exhaust): 252
Lobe centre angle (Intake): 106 (Exhaust): 110
Lobe separation angle: 108
Lift on overlap: 0.048"
Accuracy: Good
----------------------------------------

I can post a pic if it helps. I know the Morspeed cams are a bit hit and miss, some wearing quite quickly, so thought I'd better check it.

1994 Mini Mayfair, 1330, Mspd Ph2 cam, Benross turbo head, 9:1, GT1752, TT Intercooler, MegaJolt, BMW M3 leather seats.

And a good visual inspection. Usually you will get some pitting on the cam if it's had a hard life.

also check the max lift for each lobe with a dti with it in the block, if any of the lobes are drasically different then its on its way out.

OK, can't check it in the block at the moment as its at my mates garage.

Also found my digital callipers gave a flat battery, and my mechanical ones are too small!

So, here's a couple of pics, there does seem to be some strange wear patterns on it.

Could you have a look, and give me your thoughts based on the pics?

https://goo.gl/photos/5aQK8gfMJKZk7GYy5

https://goo.gl/photos/VnoByuFPRabzLRyw6

https://goo.gl/photos/bYeNKtcC1DEpYGMu7

1994 Mini Mayfair, 1330, Mspd Ph2 cam, Benross turbo head, 9:1, GT1752, TT Intercooler, MegaJolt, BMW M3 leather seats.

Looks to be a lot of life left in it yet.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

The patterns look fine - that's just how the original coating wears off.

Check for pitting on or close the lobe tips.

OK thanks guys, can't see any pitting near the lobe tips!

1994 Mini Mayfair, 1330, Mspd Ph2 cam, Benross turbo head, 9:1, GT1752, TT Intercooler, MegaJolt, BMW M3 leather seats.