69monzaredbigblock

I'm running a Lunati hydraulic flat tappet cam and lifters in my 69 BB. I have one lifter that "pumps up" and holds the exhaust valve open on # 6 cylinder. This has happened all of a sudden. I have proven the problem out by doing a compression test while messing with the valve adjustment.I backed off the adjustment a tiny bit and the valve closes but the lifter now clacks away. Can I change lifters without changing the cam? I have not disassembled the engine yet to truly see what's wrong. I'm hoping the cam is still healthy. I just read the article in Hotrod magazine about "offshore lifters" and I have to say these lifters came in a Lunati box but bore NO part #'s. I can't afford to go roller at this time. Can I swap out lifters safely and expect the cam to be unaffected? What brand lifter would you use in your car?
Thanks,
Warren

mandm1200

From what I know, you can change lifters by themselves. When the cam is changed it is recommended to change lifters at the same time. If only one lifter is giving a problem, why not just change the offending one and let the others alone?

69monzaredbigblock

Because these lifters bore no part #'s I'm afraid I'll be back in there doing it again. I'm assuming the lifter quality is the problem. It's only an assumption at this point.

Little Mouse

If you dont have the A/C compressor setting over the top of valve
cover to contend with buy a solid cam and lifters. better performace
even at lower rpm levels, and pumping up problems are history.

69monzaredbigblock

At this time I'm hoping to just change lifters. Can I change lifters safely on a motor with 1000 miles without changing the cam?

Little Mouse

Yes, Who makes the best lifters who knows. crane cams and others
make lifters that are supposed to be better about pumping up.

Little Mouse

Crane cams hydraulic lifters special race hydraulic lifters maximum
rpm 7400 part no 99290-16 for 396-502 big block. looked this up
on cranes web site at summit racing

Beater

I believe the lifters wear into the profile of the cam and not the cam to the lifters. Changing a lifter shouldn't be an issue. The service manual I have even has instructions on how to clean/remove/install individual lifters.

69monzaredbigblock

That's what I was hoping to hear. I'll know more when I tear into it this weekend. I'm hoping for a few lifter recommendations so I can order parts. I really don't want to change this cam again. How do you know you are not getting "offshore lifters" when the lifters have no part #'s on them, seriously.

Little Mouse

I have not bought from crane in a while but what I have bought had a part no. Cranes web site shows the 99290-16 lifters but when I
do a search on summit, jegs for a price I get nothing. Dont know
if not having a part no the box means they are cheap offshore
lifters but that would make somone think they were.

...Roger...

Make sure you dont have a weak or broken spring on #6 exhaust.That "pump up" is unusual and usually just the opposite they bleed down.

69monzaredbigblock

I pulled the valve cover and gave it a good visual inspection. It looks OK. I pulled all the plugs and had someone crank the engine over. No strange noises or wierd movements.The springs look alright. Thanks for the reply.

454_71Stingray

Hey man, I have done this before, had a Edelbrock performer Cam and thought I had a bad lifter they (were all new). went to the Checker auto and was able to buy a single lifter, popped it in and realised I had a header gasket leak . engine ran fine though never had another issue with it.