Tusc

My new-to-me Z06 apparently came to me damaged and then immediately let go. I finally tore it down to the block today and see that my #7 intake lifter let go of it's roller head while I was at a stop light. The lifter itself spread wide at the arms and cannot be removed from the cam trough. I'll call machine shops tomorrow for advice on that, though I am already seeking a new block.

These GM lifters though, what sort of bearing is inside the roller? Are these needle bearings like on the rockers?

At this point the issue is academic, since there is metal debris in the trough from a chewed up cam lobe and the roller head and bearing being MIA currently. No other damage is evident on the cam, nor any of the other lifters. I believe the shortblock to be ok. If I somehow find a way to get the lifter out, I guess I am just curious if I need to try to find a hundred little steel "sprinkles" in there or not.

evolmotorsprt

Here's a pic of a broken lifter. So it does appear to have needle bearings. I'd say cut open your oil filter.

Tusc

Mmmm. I set it aside to do so, but then went back another night and threw it out absentmindedly. I have some short-term memory issues after a concussion last fall. Little things like this. Not cool.

pcfred

No wonder you haven't paid me the $300,000 I loaned you. . . .you forgot!
I use an app on my phone to remind me of things. When I think of something I either write it in the phone or do it right away.

vettenuts

Is the cam out? If so, you may be able to push the lifter down from the top and let it fall into the pan. From there you can retrieve the parts and you would need to inspect the lifter bore. It might help to pick up a borescope for your phone off of Amazon to look inside the motor.

Tusc

I stopped last night short of pulling the pulley and cam. The one lobe is gnarly and chewed on, but I wager it should clear the bearings on the way out. I'll give it a go after lunch.

Bill Curlee

100% SPOT ON!!

That lifter should be able to be removed from the inside. It should push out from the top!

BC

Tusc

Any advice for hunting down potential needle bearings? Just getting to the car now: work found a way to invade vacation again.

Tusc

The engine turned over for maybe 10 seconds after the initial stop. I have thoughts of them in the oil pan or going through the pump. Or those little metal needle bearing sprinkles chewing up the engine.