Lifters??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: WC MO
Lifters??
I'm looking at replacing my cam soon and didn't know if I should replace the lifters on my 97 mn6 with 57,000. I've replaced the heads once and for whatever reason I didn't replace the lifters then. Just checking to see if I need to remove the heads again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
GM and the cam Mfg's tell you to replace the lifters anytime you replace the camshaft.
However, no where in the service manual does it mention replacing the lifter guides, (trays).
Why is that?
However, no where in the service manual does it mention replacing the lifter guides, (trays).
Why is that?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 782
Likes: 45
From: Toronto Ontario
. In my mind, the trays must certainly loose their grip on the lifters as the miles rack up. Considering that you have to pull the heads to get at the lifters anyway, change the trays!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
When I swap cams, you'll NEVER see me moving faster than when the old cam makes its exit. The thought of a lifter plopping down out of the tray inspires me to move like the wind. In my mind, the trays must certainly loose their grip on the lifters as the miles rack up. Considering that you have to pull the heads to get at the lifters anyway, change the trays!!
. In my mind, the trays must certainly loose their grip on the lifters as the miles rack up. Considering that you have to pull the heads to get at the lifters anyway, change the trays!!I do believe they make dowel rods to hold up the lifters when doing a cam change W/O removing the heads.
To me depending on the trays to hold up the lifters is Russian Roulette
it's not if it will fall, it's when.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 782
Likes: 45
From: Toronto Ontario
However, unless I'm mistaken, this is the reason-for-being for these trays. You could probably take them out all together if you never plan on changing the cam again.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
The lifter trays are the only part that keep the lifter from rotating. They will help hold up a lifter but that is not their primary function. As they wear/age and become looser there have been instances of the lifter rotating. For the $20 they cost, its just plain poor economics not to change them while they are out of the car. I went with the LS2 version on my last lifter removal.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 782
Likes: 45
From: Toronto Ontario
The lifter trays are the only part that keep the lifter from rotating. They will help hold up a lifter but that is not their primary function. As they wear/age and become looser there have been instances of the lifter rotating. For the $20 they cost, its just plain poor economics not to change them while they are out of the car. I went with the LS2 version on my last lifter removal.
P.s. I'm sure GM saw a firestorm coming when they enclosed the lifters in the LS1. The trays were a clever solution to a problem that would have vexed a lot of people...
TJ, with 57000 on the clock, I personally wouldnt worry about the lifters. If I had the heads off for some reason, I'd think about it.
