<VV> Camshafts

[Tony Underwood]

At 01:54 hours 05/29/2006, J R Read_HML wrote:
>Regardless of which is correct (my opinion not being expressed), why 
>does it seem that the general rule of thumb is to avoid using new 
>lifters on a used cam whenever possible?


If the originals are still available and not damaged, it's always 
best to keep each lifter matched to its own lobe.   Arbitrarily 
replacing lifters with new ones isn't a good idea of the originals 
are still working OK.    If it comes down to requiring a lifter 
replacement... I'd look first into trying to repair the one that's 
being a problem... IF its face is OK and the failure isn't because of 
wear on the face.   Clean it, then reuse it if at all possible.   The 
2nd choice if need be is to replace it with a new lifter and observe 
the break-in procedure.   Don't forget to grease it up well with the 
right lube.

Putting a used lifter onto a used cam that the lifter has never seen 
before is bad form.

I *have*, in a pinch, refaced an occasional good-used lifter and 
"prepped" the surface of the face, put them on used cams and never 
had one fail...  but it *requires* refacing, which turns the lifter 
into something similar to a new one.

If a lifter fails, and requires replacement, use a new lifter and 
observe break-in procedures.   Don't take a chance with a mismatched 
lifter, too easy to ruin the camshaft.


tony..