Engine guys... Collapsed lifter question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 54
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Engine guys... Collapsed lifter question
Long story short... I had the 350(NOM) in my 71 rebuilt a few years ago. Last summer it developed a noise and water/oil mess in the breather. Took it in and the shop found a blown head gasket. No surprise. After thorough diesel washout etc they put it back together and it ran fine at the shop however, a couple lifters collapsed after about 1/2 hour of highway driving. The shop verified this and will help with the replacement but it was MY fault for not heeding their advice to replace lifters on re-assembly. They said they tried their best to get the antifreeze and water out but I guess it didn't work. Has anyone been successful in replacing lifters and push rods without replacing the cam? I've heard some concerns about it. Your thoughts? Thanks! Mike
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 54
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
We picked it up the first time and it got noisy on the way home. Flatbed back to the shop and they were able to get it sounding and running perfect with all rockers showing same number of threads. Second trip home it got noisy again. No I can’t be sure it’s not the cam but I’m relying on their word (very good shop). ... Is it possible to install a cam without pulling engine? Thanks Mike
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Lifter don't just "collapse"............I am afraid you wiped out cam lobes......water and/or Antifreeze in the engine would not cause collapsed lifters, but it could cause wiped cam lobes....... And there is no way I would run new lifters on an old cam......the chance of the lifters being able to spin on an old camshaft is marginal at best.
At this point I would do a Cam and lifter change........and pick out a cam that you like that will give you some more beans......this will give you piece of mind.
Jebby
At this point I would do a Cam and lifter change........and pick out a cam that you like that will give you some more beans......this will give you piece of mind.
Jebby
Last edited by Jebbysan; Dec 9, 2019 at 09:53 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
New lifter on old cam works if lobes on cam are in good condition. Old lifters on new cam not a good idea.
Since this happenned after head gasket repair. I would pull pan. Look for debris possibly restricting pick up. You could cut filter and see what it caught. I would also check a few bearings, not rear main unless seal is leaking; or other bearing are damaged. So many times improper practices doing top end repairs lead to bottom end failures.
Since this happenned after head gasket repair. I would pull pan. Look for debris possibly restricting pick up. You could cut filter and see what it caught. I would also check a few bearings, not rear main unless seal is leaking; or other bearing are damaged. So many times improper practices doing top end repairs lead to bottom end failures.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
I have done it many times with the engine in the car. I prefer to remove the hood after marking the hinge position with masking tape. Remove the fan and fan clutch from the water pump. Then remove the rad support/radiator/shroud in one unit as it's easier than struggling with the shroud in the car. Three bolts inside each fender well, two underneath. remove the hoses and the ground wire on the drivers side, the front brace then tilt the whole unit forward and lift straight up. That will give you all the room you need with minimal to no swearing required.
When more than one lifter starts making noise after a 30 min. drive your best bet isn't collapsed lifters. It's a cam going bad.
When more than one lifter starts making noise after a 30 min. drive your best bet isn't collapsed lifters. It's a cam going bad.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Dec 9, 2019 at 02:24 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,735
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From: Deep in the Pisgah National Forest
I had a lifter collapse about a year after I had my big block Ford rebuilt. No one told me to replace the cam at the same time. I went through two more sets of expensive hydraulic roller lifters before I got smart and changed the cam and lifters as a set. That was four years ago and the engine has been running perfectly ever since.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Rag top...YES! it is entirely possible to replace the cam WITHOUT pulling the engine....you DO have to pull the radiator however. In addition to the above good advice...I'd pop for another $200 and replace the timing chain assy with a good quality one....most of the labor will be captured in the 'pulling of the cam ' anyway.
Good luck!
Unkahal
Good luck!
Unkahal
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Put new cam and lifters in at this point. Once an engine gets that milshake chances are the bearings are Fd.
Their fault for charging you and not being upfront or not knowing.
Costs is cheap enough cant hurt at this point.Stay away from the xe type stuff.
Their fault for charging you and not being upfront or not knowing.
Costs is cheap enough cant hurt at this point.Stay away from the xe type stuff.
