melling lifters

[mygasser]

hi all, after having lifter failure on 2 consecutive cams in a 352 motor recently i have a question about the new lifters used. both times the noise and subsequent failure happened after about 15-17 minutes of the break in procedure. both times we used plenty (all) of the supplied cam lube and correct running in oil, the oil system was primed up to the rockers and the carb' was prefilled and timing set which meant the motor fired and could be brought up to 2000 rpm straight away.
so, the question is most of the lifters have no sign of wear and i thought why can't i use these 'almost' new lifters on another new camshaft? obviously i'd need to carry out the full break in again but as these lifters had survived break in already is it a fair assumption they were hardened correctly and good to go again?
any thoughts would be great.
neil.

[mike7570]

I wouldn’t, if your already replacing the cam pick up a new set of good quality lifters.
Did you use break in springs? Did it fail at the same location?

[mygasser]

it failed at different points the second time, and we used the springs suited to the cam. i think next time i'll fit stock single springs for break in. this is the first time in over 40 years i've had cam/lifter failure on a build.
neil.

[blykins]

I wouldn't use lifters that have been previously ran on a cam, for a new cam.

Spring loads have to be watched and adjusted.  Aim for less than 100 seat and less than ~275 open. 

IMO, the number 1 issue for why guys wipe cams off is because of the spring loads.  All the new cylinder heads that are available are set up with hefty springs, even for a flat tappet.  Guys think that they can just slap them on and break in a cam, when in reality, the inner springs need to be removed, or break-in springs need to be installed.

[mygasser]

we used a replacement 428cj cam/lifters and springs. the springs are single coil with damper, 85 installed and 268 open pressures.
neil

[428kidd]

Something else to always check. Every lifter needs to spin inside its bore. When installing these make sure they spin with your finger with almost zero effort. If there tight or not spinning it will kill the cam.

[427LX]

Back in the 70's we would slide a new cam in and add a can of the GM Break-in oil additive and NEVER had a problem. Installed many cams back then of different makes and with my brother's 426 Hemi we installed the Racer Brown STX-22  Super/Stock cam and lifters using the race springs of that time....solid flat tappet and no issues at all ! Back then no mention for a light break-in springs and it all worked fine.  Must be that everyone wants crazy ramp velocity which requires much stiffer springs for that extra power?

[DuckRyder]

What Brent and kidd said.

I absolutely would not use the same lifters.

[mygasser]

sounds like i have an answer. thanks for all your replies.
neil.

[oldiron.fe]

           do not overlook  1960s 0em 427/428 performance spring pressures -- most in the 260/280 open pressure range     todays ramps/pressures much higher  -- along with low use of flat lifters ---     roller lifters may be more expense up front -- but look at time/cost to repair ---   few if any lifters are produced in quality/numbers of the past------ quality- reground cam people resurface lifters  ALL THAT I HAVE USED _SAY FEW OR NO PROBLEMS with  OEM lifters resurfaced and used along with newer cam grinds-- for mild builds maybe consider regrind and resurfaced lifters for cost saving and fewer problems---- keep any solid flat/roller adjusted on tight side -- if run on loose side you WILL damage -rollers for sure --john             

[Dr Mabuse]

Roller lifters are the only way to go ... do not even think about it ... do not waste any more of your time and money ... Powell Machine explains why -
re:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_ExoIuTpks

[pbf777]

Powell Machine explains why

     Sorta lacks from the empirical evidence standpoint leading to any 'real' conclusions; but then, what do you expect from a u-tube video.   

     Scott.