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383 lifter question

I'd like someone to explain why they think there would be a lack of lubrication. Lifters are lubricated by splash, not oil pressure. My thoughts as a long time engine builder? A good method of checking a lifter is to place the bottom of the one being checked against the side of another. Hold the pair up to a light. You should be able to see light around the bottom outer edge of the lifter being checked. the bottom must be crowned. The circular pattern on the bottom of the lifter shows that it has been rotating like it should. If the lifter face looks good the cam will be fine. I'd like to see a picture of the bottom of the noisy lifter. Try pushing hard on it's piston with a pushrod. If it sinks you've most likely found your issue. A collapsing lifter.
Doug
 
The lifters pictured show abnormal wear.......which means the cam lobes have probably seen better days. New lifters will probably wear quickly due to some bad lobes. The cam needs to be inspected closely....& probably replaced. If the lifters are factory, better to have them re-faced rather than rely on questionable 'Made in America'. What is made in America, the circlip?
 
I can’t really make out what’s going on with the lifter in the 2nd pic.
I wouldn’t mind seeing another pic of it, after you scuff it up with some scotch-brite.
The way it looks on my screen is that there’s a little crater in the middle of the face.
 
I'd like someone to explain why they think there would be a lack of lubrication. Lifters are lubricated by splash, not oil pressure. My thoughts as a long time engine builder? A good method of checking a lifter is to place the bottom of the one being checked against the side of another. Hold the pair up to a light. You should be able to see light around the bottom outer edge of the lifter being checked. the bottom must be crowned. The circular pattern on the bottom of the lifter shows that it has been rotating like it should. If the lifter face looks good the cam will be fine. I'd like to see a picture of the bottom of the noisy lifter. Try pushing hard on it's piston with a pushrod. If it sinks you've most likely found your issue. A collapsing lifter.
Doug

I can’t really make out what’s going on with the lifter in the 2nd pic.
I wouldn’t mind seeing another pic of it, after you scuff it up with some scotch-brite.
The way it looks on my screen is that there’s a little crater in the middle of the face.
I tried pushing down on each lifter with push rod and couldn't move any of them. First picture is scotchbrited lifter, last two are from cylinder 6, where I believe ticking was coming from. I didn't see this yesterday, but once I wiped them off and looked in good light, at some point, they are not turning, very slight undercut in them, one in an x pattern.
Pretty certain cam and lifter time. Like I said previous, I'll pull motor and while it's at machine shop, I'll start repainting engine bay etc. Thanks for everyone's input on this.

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Any idea of make of cam & miles on it?
 
Any idea of make of cam & miles on it?
No idea. Dealer told me engine supposedly was rebuilt a couple years ago. I have no idea what cam I should even go with, another reason I like to tear entire thing down and inspect it. See how much engine has been bored over if any, etc.
 
Yeh, it’s done.

Might want to start warming up to the idea of a roller.


Im not familiar with roller cams, any suggestions on brand or size? I'm guessing there is nothing special about this engine, won't know until I tear it down, basically mild 383
 
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