[SS_Dave]

I had a lifter that would not de-pressurize. In other words, it was stuck fully extended. It was clattering because the proper lash could not be set. I decided to start the engine and back off the rocker until it clattered and then tighten until clatter goes away and then 1/2 turn more.
Seemed to work ok. Drove about 10 miles and parked it. Next morning I start it up and lifter is clattering again. ( Clue #1 ignored ). I promptly pull the valve cover and see it is loose.
I thought maybe the poly lock just backed off because I didn't get it tight enough. ( deception #1 ) I readjust same way. Problem seemed to go away. Drove to Crashes house and car is popping out the carb any time I give it any gas.
Seems to be missing also. pulled valve cover and found intake rocker going up and down about 1/4 inch. Some clacking. Tried to readjust, and it became painfully apparent that a lobe was gone.
450.00 later I have a new cam and lifters.
I pulled the heads to check the cyllinder walls and found some scoring on #1, #2 and #3. Some very minor scoring on two others and nothing on the rest.
Any suggestions on what to do would be appreciated.



Moral of the story:

Do not assume that a hydraulic lifter will compress when the engine is started. If you cannot get it to compress prior to starting, raplace it.

 

[Dan396ss68]

Man that sucks,I know you have been doing alot of work on yours.
A guy also might want to also check to see if push rods are straight to.

 

[SS_Dave]

Good idea Dan

Thanks

 

[427L88]

Yup, roll them on a piece of glass and check the ends for mushrooming, and most importantly Dave, replace it with a solid flat tappet and make some more torque and simpler maintenance!

 

[SS_Dave]

Too late Gene, I already have the cam and lifters in it. I did think about a solid lifter, but decided to replace it with the same cam. It was supposedly matched to the intake by Edlebrock.
I don't see any reason why I couldn't throw some solids in there after the cam is broken in, do you?

 

[charbilly2001]

Solid lifters on a hydraulic cam? Thats a nono. acceleration/deceleration ramps not compatible. You would be begging for early failure.

 

[427L88]

Well, I was being facetious Dave, I figured you had the back-up cam if not in, then sitting on the workbench already.

Dont do it. Ask BLT4FN about the deal. I adjsuted his valves 2 or 3 times and they still clacked like hell. You can do it, running about 3-4 thou lash, but its not copasetic at all.

 

[SS_Dave]

Originally posted by 427L88:
Well, I was being facetious Dave,

Oh, in that case..

Ya gotta keep smiling.
After all, it IS a hobby, right?