I wonder if some of the destroyed followers have been because the 3 bolts for holding the hpfp in place have been torqued to different amounts? I imagine this would mean the pump spring would be off centre and therefore cause accelerated wear?
It's just a theory though.
I would doubt it, the pumps protruding section with the 'O'ring on it is quite a snug fit in the head diameter and I doubt it wouldn't allow to much tilt. I think even with three varying torques the pump would still sit square.
Seems quite a few cam followers still in reasonable shape even on reasonably high mileage cars :confused :Begs the question are all the issues purely down to.
1 - Using the higher pressure pump, ie APR / autotech internals
2 - Revision A cam. More of a US issue I believe ????
3 - Poor maintenance, lack of regular oil changes or poor oil quality. This area should have hydrodynamic lubrication between the follower and lobe contact area, so possibly using incorrect oil which is not capable of withstanding the surface contact pressures seen between the two parts would increase wear rates and cause premature failure.
Then again it might not be our fault and it could be VW purchasers cutting cost by a few pence and buying cheaper crap followers
