Valve Adjust After Cam Break In?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
I don't know what to think of these rockers, some people have problems with them and some don't.
It looks like the ball and rocker are still seating which is why I was thinking of replacing them.
If it is the cam I don't want to put good roller rockers on and pump metal through them.
The car isn't running like anything is wrong, I'd think if the cam or lifters had a problem it would feel like it's losing horse power.
If I can't trust the lifters and have to pull the intake to inspect them I'm going to replace the lifters at the very least, possibly the cam while I'm at it.
It looks like the ball and rocker are still seating which is why I was thinking of replacing them.
If it is the cam I don't want to put good roller rockers on and pump metal through them.
The car isn't running like anything is wrong, I'd think if the cam or lifters had a problem it would feel like it's losing horse power.
If I can't trust the lifters and have to pull the intake to inspect them I'm going to replace the lifters at the very least, possibly the cam while I'm at it.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 80
Likes: 44
I don't know what to think of these rockers, some people have problems with them and some don't.
It looks like the ball and rocker are still seating which is why I was thinking of replacing them.
If it is the cam I don't want to put good roller rockers on and pump metal through them.
The car isn't running like anything is wrong, I'd think if the cam or lifters had a problem it would feel like it's losing horse power.
If I can't trust the lifters and have to pull the intake to inspect them I'm going to replace the lifters at the very least, possibly the cam while I'm at it.
It looks like the ball and rocker are still seating which is why I was thinking of replacing them.
If it is the cam I don't want to put good roller rockers on and pump metal through them.
The car isn't running like anything is wrong, I'd think if the cam or lifters had a problem it would feel like it's losing horse power.
If I can't trust the lifters and have to pull the intake to inspect them I'm going to replace the lifters at the very least, possibly the cam while I'm at it.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 80
Likes: 44
I might be wrong, but NONE is the only thing that's normal. After mine did what it did and I started looking into it I was blown away at how common it is for this to happen. One oil filter and quart of oil. Maybe $25. Cut that thing open just to see and make sure. Otherwise, if it is eating a cam but your throwing other parts at it, those all might just be trash before you know it too. Hopefully it's fine and move on.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 596
home DIYer test
video about 14 1/2 min run time
about 9 mins into it, shows w/ red dykem how you can see that expected wear pattern lifter will print onto lobe.
Yup lotsa detail may not be for every DIYer; beats guessin'
about 9 mins into it, shows w/ red dykem how you can see that expected wear pattern lifter will print onto lobe.
Yup lotsa detail may not be for every DIYer; beats guessin'
Last edited by Rebelyell; May 23, 2026 at 05:02 PM.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,130
Likes: 4,243
From: US-PNW
Maybe an oil analysis (~$35, Blackstone* or SPEEDiagnostix) to see what metal types are there and how much is present would be advised. The analyst will give feedback on the results given the miles/run-time on the engine and oil.
*I've only used Blackstone for no other reason than Speed wasn't in business when I started having these tests done.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
I'm contemplating getting a different cam for it, it runs good now (other than possibly going flat or eating the lifters) with this cam I selected, I'd like to try something else and see how it does.
Possibly go to a roller to hopefully eliminate this happening again.
Possibly go to a roller to hopefully eliminate this happening again.
Last edited by AKjeff; May 25, 2026 at 12:46 AM.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 80
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
I will make an effort with this one.
Yes I built the diff, I'm getting ready to build another one, I'll start a thread for it when I get to it.
As far as my engine goes, another possibility has presented itself.
There's a 4 bolt main short block for sale locally, the ad claims it ran good and has a Comp Cam and lifters.
It was replaced with a roller cam block when the owner thought this one was eating the cam.
I'm not sure yet if I want to pull my engine and swap the heads onto that short block, or swap my cam in the car.
It has occurred to me that I should watch the video first, it may help me make up my mind.
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Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 80
Likes: 44
I haven't watched the video yet, I've always had a hard time sitting still and paying attention all the way through them.
I will make an effort with this one.
Yes I built the diff, I'm getting ready to build another one, I'll start a thread for it when I get to it.
As far as my engine goes, another possibility has presented itself.
There's a 4 bolt main short block for sale locally, the ad claims it ran good and has a Comp Cam and lifters.
It was replaced with a roller cam block when the owner thought this one was eating the cam.
I'm not sure yet if I want to pull my engine and swap the heads onto that short block, or swap my cam in the car.
It has occurred to me that I should watch the video first, it may help me make up my mind.
I will make an effort with this one.
Yes I built the diff, I'm getting ready to build another one, I'll start a thread for it when I get to it.
As far as my engine goes, another possibility has presented itself.
There's a 4 bolt main short block for sale locally, the ad claims it ran good and has a Comp Cam and lifters.
It was replaced with a roller cam block when the owner thought this one was eating the cam.
I'm not sure yet if I want to pull my engine and swap the heads onto that short block, or swap my cam in the car.
It has occurred to me that I should watch the video first, it may help me make up my mind.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
I haven't seen anything under the valve covers yet, I've gotten them off and the plugs removed so I can roll it over and check the lift.
Then I started thinking about a new camshaft, I've been reading my old notes and checking out cams online.
Then I started thinking about a new camshaft, I've been reading my old notes and checking out cams online.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,024
Likes: 1,120
From: North tonawanda NY
This is honestly why I am done with flat tappet cams. I know this horse has been beat to death but there is definitely QC issues or some other change when it comes to these newer flat tappet cams and or lifters.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
The cam intake lobes are .303 lift (I didn't measure them all when it was new, that's what the cam card tells me), I got .296, .298 and .246.
I can believe the first two might have been error on my part, the last one, #2I, was one of the worst loose ones last time I had valve train noise.
I cut open the oil filter from the first change at 300 miles and found small metal slivers in a few pleats.
This was a bit of a budget build, hence the flat tappet cam, it was also practice for my 383 build when I can get to it.
I already have a custom flat tappet cam for it. After this experiance I'll do a few things different on it.
I can believe the first two might have been error on my part, the last one, #2I, was one of the worst loose ones last time I had valve train noise.
I cut open the oil filter from the first change at 300 miles and found small metal slivers in a few pleats.
This was a bit of a budget build, hence the flat tappet cam, it was also practice for my 383 build when I can get to it.
I already have a custom flat tappet cam for it. After this experiance I'll do a few things different on it.