Fino's Sbc Build

So we are back to the question then...is it better to run the existing but maybe damaged lifter, or put in a new lifter on an old cam....I realize neither is ideal, but one option may be relatively better than another option....

 

I am wondering if new lifters would require any type of break-in proceure or additive to the oil like on a fresh rebuild...

 

looking at some of the wear on the lifters- especially the #2 exhaust I posted - it appears the lifter may not have been rotating. Guessing its mostly due to how 'stuck' in their bores they were from gunk etc....but just to verify the cam lobes are tapered correctly for lifter rotation, seems like it might be a good idea to reinstall the lifters and turn the engine over by hand and watch the lifter to see if they rotate?

 

As said - compare wear pattern(s) on lifters and cam. If you 'think' you may need to replace cam, now is the time. That motor sat for several years so wouldn't be surprised if the rust was due to how it was sitting with that valve.

I've always replaced lifters with cam. Have used new lifters on old cam without issues - break in procedure done. Not always replaced cam bearings - usually when changing cam for performance and not rebuild reasons.

 

Most all of the lifters bottom wear pattern looks like this - circular and minimal wear:


Even the questionable #2 lifter has circular wear under the corrosion - so guessing the wear pattern 'on top' of the corrosion is just from turning it over by hand after the corrosion developed in storage?

One of the #3 lifters looks like it was pushed up and the section of the top of the lifter exposed above the bore has a bunch of corrosion:


I'd have to go back and check whether this is the exhaust or intake for #3, but #3 valve seats were also the worst....guessing it was stored with that valve open? Anyway...I think at least 2 of the lifters would need replaced, so they may all get replaced. The $3 lifters from Summit do not get good reviews (issues with the hardened base?), but the $4 lifters from Sealed Power seem like they might work, and I can get them locally without shipping.....Going to pull the cam and see how it looks before ordering as a cam-lifter kit might be needed....

 

I am using Vizard's and the Atherthon & Schreib rebuild books...the downside to these books is they only focus on complete, perfection rebuilds with every single detail and clearance checked and rechecked with tools I don't have, and with performance and longevity in mind.....I need the 'how to make a junkyard engine run for 5 years and 20,000 miles without spending any money" book.

 

So here is the camshaft:


It has 2 issues - the first is this corrosion on the #2exhaust lobe that corresponds to the lifter with the corrosion on the base....


It could probably be polished up a a bit, but the second issue is the deal killer....lobe for the #3 cylinder is flat...I would guess this corresponds to the issues with the valve seats and extreme carbon build-up on the #3 valves....imaybe its a bit hard to see in the photo, but the last of the 4 lobes in the pic is the flat one - very easy to see and feel in person.


So new cam and lifters it is....The current cam is stamped GM, so it appears to be a regular factory non-performance cam, and I guess I should be ok to get a standard stock replacement with new lifters and not cause any issues with pushrod length or rocker arms etc....

I've got some other concerns as well as two of the pistons may have an issue - not sure if something with the rod bearings or maybe a ring issue....guess its time to flip the engine over and look from the bottom....