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MG TD TF 1500 - Camshaft Reference List

Given that there were various camshafts used over the years in the TCs, TDs, and TFs, I wonder if a somewhat comprehensive list could be developed as a reference of sorts.

Such a list would need to include the various standard factory camshafts, optional factory camshafts, aftermarket replacement camshafts, and upgraded performance shafts.

Has anyone compiled such a listing? Should we begin one here as a start? I wonder how many different ones are out there?

I imagine we would need to list the make and reference number - and degree information (if known)- for each one we list.

What does this group think?

Jeff
Jeff Delk

Such a list could be useful and interesting! Unfortunately, many cams are indistinguishable, since aftermarket cams are often not marked or have been re-ground. I once bought a good used factory stock cam, only to find that the idle was impossible and that it came on brutally above 4200 RPM. I later learned that the seller's father had it artfully welded-up and re-ground in the 50's on a marked MOWOG core to considerably more than 3/4 race!

I suspect that most people don't have degree wheels and dial indicators lying about, or know how to read or interpret the results.

Tom
t lange

Jeff - E-mail me at the address above and I'll send you a listing that I got some 25 years ago of various cams for the T series cars. I have also sent the list to Bud to include on the Ttalk site. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Tom - I think you are correct in that most would be unmarked - you would think a camshaft would be marked for future reference. Given the importance of what a camshaft does, I would think they would have some standard system. Regrinds present an even more difficult identification. Dave - I'll send you an email.

I just wonder how many people out there adjust their valves to standard settings when the cam actually requires a different clearance?

Jeff
Jeff Delk

Tom, Here is something I submitted last year about degreeing camshafts and using a degree wheel.

When degreeing the cam on your engine, the results will vary depending on which cam you have installed. Not including the Crane race cams, there was an early AAA5776-TC and TD cam to engine #24115, after engine #24116, the AAA3096 was used. You may also have the Crane 340-0002 stock cam installed.
You will need a degree wheel, such as the one available from Moss. I punched out a larger centre hole in it, so that I could attach it directly to the front of the crankshaft pulley with double-sided tape, and still pass a socket through to the crankshaft nut, without disturbing the degree wheel. You can stick the degree wheel on in any position. Attach a pointer to the engine, which will protrude onto the degree wheel's scale. Rotate the engine to Top Dead Centre, and then line up the pointer with the zero mark on the degree wheel. Finding the true TDC can be tricky,as the piston dwells for several degrees at TDC. You will also require a dial indicator with at least a half inch of travel in .001 increments, mounted to a magnetic base. Securly mount the dial indicator and stand to the engine. so that you can get a direct vertical measurement from the top of number one pushrod. You will have to temporarily detach the rocker arm to do this. Set the dial indicator to zero, when the pushrod is at it's lowest position on the back of the cam. There are a couple of methods for degreeing the cam, the "centreline method" and the "duration at .050" lift method". The duration at .050" lift method is much more accurate. Using this method, hand rotate the engine in it's normal direction of rotation, while watching the dial indicator. As the lifter starts to move up the opening side of the lobe, take a reading from the degree wheel when the dial indicator shows .050" of lift. Now continue rotating the engine' until the reading on the dial reaches maximum lobe lift. Continue rotating the engine and the lifter will start down the closing side of the lobe. Take another reading off the degree wheel when the dial indicator reading descends back to.050". You can now compare your readings to the camshaft inspection card, for the exhaust valve BBDC and BTDC. The correct readings for the Crane stock cam are 25 deg. and 15 deg. respectively.

Hope this helps in determining the type of camshaft, that one has in their car. Cheers Phil

Phil Atrill

The degree wheel in use

Phil Atrill

Phil,

When I look at the first picture I see that your dail indicator is powered by a small bicycle. Can you explain why this is so?

;-) Willem
Willem vd Veer

Willem, Yes, sorry about the distraction of my bike at the back of the garage. You where just being facetious, right?
Phil Atrill

See http://www.ttalk.info/TSeriesCams.htm and then

http://www.ttalk.info/TSeriesCams.htm

Courtesy of David DuBois. Bud
Bud Krueger (TD10855)

Bud/Dave - thanks so much for the chart - that was just what I needed. I am going to try and confirm the cams found in my TF1500 and my father's early TD. I am guessing both are the stock MG cams....but we will see.

Thanks again for providing the chart.

Jeff
Jeff Delk

The other link should have been
http://www.ttalk.info/CamshaftID.htm
Sorry to have messed it up. Bud
Bud Krueger (TD10855)

This thread was discussed between 18/06/2010 and 19/06/2010

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