C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Lifter failure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 29, 2014 | 07:39 PM
  #1  
VetteNURSE's Avatar
VetteNURSE
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
Default Lifter failure

I have had 2 seperate issues with comp cam hydraulic flat tappet lifters. The first one was 700 miles after rebuild and the next was recently, 3k miles after rebuild. Both cases the retainer let go, the lifter came apart and it ate the rocker end of the push rod. It was one the first time and 2 lifters this time. Anybody ever have this happen? I would like to hear opinions as to why it happened, maybe over reved? I have a 6200 rpm rev limiter set and it did not hit it. The most important question is what lifter to replace it with so it doesnt happen agsain.

Thanks in advance for info,

Mike
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2014 | 08:15 PM
  #2  
Ironcross's Avatar
Ironcross
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by VetteNURSE
I have had 2 seperate issues with comp cam hydraulic flat tappet lifters. The first one was 700 miles after rebuild and the next was recently, 3k miles after rebuild. Both cases the retainer let go, the lifter came apart and it ate the rocker end of the push rod. It was one the first time and 2 lifters this time. Anybody ever have this happen? I would like to hear opinions as to why it happened, maybe over reved? I have a 6200 rpm rev limiter set and it did not hit it. The most important question is what lifter to replace it with so it doesnt happen agsain.

Thanks in advance for info,

Mike
Incorrect lash on a few lifters, ..or not enough clearance between retainer and guide, coil bind with lift and a seal is also involved if your looking for causes.....all should be addressed to find a cause
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2014 | 08:23 PM
  #3  
VetteNURSE's Avatar
VetteNURSE
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Ironcross
Incorrect lash on a few lifters, ..or not enough clearance between retainer and guide, coil bind with lift and a seal is also involved if your looking for causes.....all should be addressed to find a cause
Can you give more info on clearance between retainer and guide? Not sure what you mean. This is a 355 with a 490 lift cam all matched comp cam components.
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2014 | 09:40 AM
  #4  
427Hotrod's Avatar
427Hotrod
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,022
Likes: 2,265
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
Default

Fairly common with the "hairpin" wire retainers. It can happen from over revving and or when you try to "zero" lash them. The clips can't hold everything in place when the plunger comes up against them in either case.

Look for lifters with the true c-clip style retainers in them.


JIM
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2014 | 11:48 AM
  #5  
REELAV8R's Avatar
REELAV8R
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
Default

Lack of spring control can allow the lifters to pump up as well then same results with plunger coming up to the retainer.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Lifter failure





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:35 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE