For those of you running modified MkII Octavia vRS's you will no doubt be aware there is a modified high pressure fuel pump or fuel pump internals available to eliminate a common issue known as 'fuel cut'. There have been some reports, mainly from USA that as a result of installing this revised pump excessive wear on the cam follower (a small 'bucket' which sits between fuel pump piston and cam) resulting in catastrophic failure of both cam and pump and therefore an expensive repair bill!

Today we removed and replaced mine to see what the effects have been running the new fuel pump for the past three months and approximately 6,000 miles with the uprated pump (24,000miles in total ie. 18,000miles with OEM fuel pump internals). The following pictures show that wear has thankfully been minimal to the point of being almost perfect which is very good news for those of you who have installed this upgrade, the only noticable wear is on the inside where the piston touches but this could be seen as normal although atm we do not have anything to compare it with (if you are considering this modification it would be helpful to see pics of the cam follower from a stanadard car before replacement).

The conclusion mainly drawn from this would be to regularly inspect the cam follower for signs of excessive wear and keep a replacement 'just in case' as these are a lot cheaper to replace than the consequences of possible failure!

This is certainly a relief Steve, but I'm reluctant to say that we can no be complacent!!

I think 5k inspections would be prudent, and at under £20 each, maybe replace every 15k or so to be safe!

Have to say though, I'm pleased to see such little wear, very encouraging!!

Inspection is a 15 minute job on the later cars with 1 rubber and 1 steel pipe, slightly longer for the 2 steel pipe models.

Inspection is a 15 minute job on the later cars with 1 rubber and 1 steel pipe, slightly longer for the 2 steel pipe models.

Tis true..........Slightly longer for older versions...:(

I've done a good 3k since having installed my HPFP and have had no issues so far.

The lack of wear is encouraging though Steve.

You should have seen my tappets....

Did you also check the actual cam whilst you were at it? How was that fairing up?

:DGood to see Steve, Jkm i see, did you manage to keep your wallet in your pocket

Great report Steve - as its on my 'post warranty to do list' its a very interesting read for me.

Most of the US based forums also seem to be saying it should be inspected every 5-6k miles.

Lee

An routine replacement at circa 7k - 10K miles is perfectly acceptable IMHO. If you play with these things then you have to be prepared to pay the price and at around £20 it shouldn't break the bank.

Thought it might only effect the earlier engines. Haven't the newer engines a revised camshaft? Using the longlife oil might help too as it has an additive for the PD engines for higher stresses on their cams.

The initial problem was that the cam shaft lobe was too soft, this was 'fixed' with the introduction of a revised 2 part cam. Something else that has now started to fail, both in stock fuel pump equipped and High Flow pump equipped cars is the cam follower pictured above.