Re: They don't make cams like they used to--it seeems
Hi Chris
I agree on with jon and cliff,
I have wrecked my fair share of engines and did the reseach afterwards, and I'd be surprized that lack of zinc could cause this much damage in such short time.
it looks like a severe lubrication problem (ie complete lack of oil let alone zinc), or indeed a wrongly heat treated set of followers although that would be very strange.
also are you sure the combination of followers, rockers, rods, springs, etc etc is OK?
I saw this in the old 1900cc engine of our 40 year old campervan (citroen HY) it had such worn out rockershafts that on 2 valve the full lift coud not be had so the followers were badly pitted. probably from years and years running without adjusting the valves, they looked much the same as the ones in your picture, yet this engine has probably been around the world a dozen times.
regards Thomas