Lifter / Cam replacement

[NukeGM]

Got a bad lifter tick on the pass side of my 360. Is it ok to change just the lifter or will that be a bad idea because of the the cam wearing on the new lifter? I have heard that if you change just a lifter you could spin a bearing from the cam wearing onto the new lifter.

So yea or naa? I really don't have the cash right now to do a cam & lifters so if its possible to get by with just the bad lifter that would be great.

[fulsizjeep]

Are you sure the tick is not a valve?

If it is a lifter, it is better to replace all lifters as a set.

[NukeGM]

Are you sure the tick is not a valve?

If it is a lifter, it is better to replace all lifters as a set.

Fairly sure its a lifter, pulling the valve cover tonight, what should I look for if its a valve? Is it something that would be obvious?

[srobertsfsj]

Fairly sure its a lifter, pulling the valve cover tonight, what should I look for if its a valve? Is it something that would be obvious?

Look for a loose or sloppy rocker.

[tgreese]

Aren't broken rocker arm bridges fairly common on AMC V8s?

New lifter on an old cam is ok. Never use a used lifter on a new cam, or mix up used lifters from their positions on a used cam.

I guess a new set would be better, but I don't understand the logic of it, except that if one lifter is worn out, the others are likely close behind.

If you were really short on money, you could try taking the lifter apart and cleaning it in carb cleaner, and putting it back. Improving your oil pressure might help too.

[gsmikie]

i love a flat cam in the morning

[RUBBERSIDEDOWN]

if you decide you need stock cam. i have a brand new cam and lifter set that i would give you a great deal on.

[crazydog]

I had a tick after my engine sat for a few months without being run. I tried some Seafoam through the carb and in the oil. It fixed the tick. It is cheap and it might keep you from having to tear it apart.

[NukeGM]

I had a tick after my engine sat for a few months without being run. I tried some Seafoam through the carb and in the oil. It fixed the tick. It is cheap and it might keep you from having to tear it apart.

Tried the seafoam already it didn't stop it. Going pull the valve cover now.

[billyj7175]

i love a flat cam in the morning

Isn't that "I love the smell of a flat cam in the morning"?...haha

[NukeGM]

After looking at it I had a bent rocker bridge, ordering 2 new rocker arms w/bridge & saddles. Will see if that takes care of it or if a lifter is still ticking. I am thinking it still is going to need a lifter but my fingers are crossed.

[Millerluck]

Just make sure the lifter is not pumped up with oil or it might bend again.

It should be slightly springy when you push down on the push rod by hand. With about a 1/16 movment.

If it feels like a rock it is pumped up. Only way I know to fix that is to remove the lifter and tare it down and drain it.

Or maybe time will drain it if you tighen the rocker and turn the engine over by hand untill that valve opens some and wait a few days??

All I know it that when that valve is all the way closed with the rockers on, you should be able to spin the push rod with your fingers.

Larry

[homerj40]

Removing Lifter w/heads on?

I have a similar tick. Bought an 87 GW that had sat for 10 years - flushed everything (a few times), tried MMO, trans fluid, etc.. Ticking has gone way down but now I get occasional exhaust side popping on acceleration. Oil pressure is great so I don't think the cam is gone. IF it's not a bent or broken rocker bridge can you pull the lifters with one of those probe tools? I heard that on some motors you HAVE TO pull the heads.

[MysticRob]

I have a similar tick. Bought an 87 GW that had sat for 10 years - flushed everything (a few times), tried MMO, trans fluid, etc.. Ticking has gone way down but now I get occasional exhaust side popping on acceleration. Oil pressure is great so I don't think the cam is gone. IF it's not a bent or broken rocker bridge can you pull the lifters with one of those probe tools? I heard that on some motors you HAVE TO pull the heads.

You replied to a 12yr old thread, but pop the valve cover on the suspected side, check for looseness of valvetrain, verify torque specs on the loose one, take intake off to get to bad lifter and use a magnet or your fingers to get it out.

[homerj40]

Thanks Rob! That helps to know the order to check. Cheers