Tappet Noise I think

[dlrogers]

OK - need help now. I've found what I think is the cause - the inlet lifter face is seriously concave, like its been under a lot of pressure from the cam lobe. It actually took a bit of getting out because there was a slight burring. What should I do now??? I'll have to replace the lifter, but why has it done that??

[the_engineers]

Is the pushrod bent?  Does the camshaft lobe appear to be the same condition as the others, or does it look extremely worn by comparison?

How long has the motor run since it was rebuilt?

[dlrogers]

Its not looking good - pushrod in good shape. I imported car about 5 years ago but had minimal use, just the odd cruise. The engine was supposed to be a fairly fresh rebuild at the time but I'm not 100% sure about that. The lifter is in bad shape and about 1/16" shorted than the others.

[the_engineers]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LUN-60303LK/

[Chryco Psycho]

This has become very common
there is not enough anti scuff [ZDDP] in newer oils so even if the engine is fresh you have lost the cam & lifter so you need a new cam & set of lifters . I would be looking at a Lunati VooDoo if you want hyd or a custom grind Lunati solid

[dlrogers]

Thanks CP, I was afraid of that. I just spoke to our Mopar engine guy in the city and he said what you said. He also said that a while back there were no lifters being made in the US and that the chinese filled the vaccuum with inferior metal lifters thereby destroying a large number of engines. I believe there's one US manufacturer back in production now?? I think we can get the Lunati stuff here so we'll go for it.

[Chryco Psycho]

I can get it & forward if needed
 Johnson had a fire & stopped production & one other lifter company went out of business at the same time & there was a about a year when no decent lifters could be bought , Johnson is back in bussiness now , you will probably need a new oil pump & you will have to cleanout the engine well when installing the new cam

[dlrogers]

The engineer in Auckland can supply the cam but thanks for your offer. This is new ground for me but in a way I'm quite looking forward to the job. I've got a service manual that goes through the steps pretty clearly so it shouldn't be too bad. I will need some advice when the time comes to set up timing etc. Thanks everyone for your thoughts so far.

[dlrogers]

Hi guys
Just checking - is number one on the 383 closest to the radiator on the drivers side and that left bank 1 3 5 7 and right bank 2 4 6 8 heading back towards the firewall, also is the distributer rotation clockwise or anti clockwise?? I want to label everything as I remove it.

[Chryco Psycho]

rotation is counterclockwise , 1 is front drivers side as you said the problem is after the cam is removed the dist/oil pump drive will need to be inserted in exactly the same position for the labeled wires to work in the same place on the dist capso I am not sure labelling them will help you out

[dlrogers]

OK, cam is out - it's a mess. Over 2mm missing from inlet lobe on #8 and about the same from the corresponding lifter. Don't know what cam it is - has EP-45 on stem and Z010 (i think) on end??
Now the questions... It's 383 with dual plane edlebrock performer inlet, edlebrock 750cfm carb. It has headers and 3" pipes and I want it to 'perform' well in the 2500 upwards range. I run power brakes so need a bit of vaccuum. The heads are 906 but I don't know any more than that - they are still in. Currently it sounds (sounded) nice with a lumpy idle that promised serious business. Cam selection is a mystery to me so advice would be really appreciated.
Another question...should I strip the engine out and flush it (don't want to do this but will do it if it is necessary) or can I clean it by dropping sump and using compressed air or something like that?

[the_engineers]

Check out Lunati's 60303LK or 60304LK, depending how much "lump" you want.  Do you have adjustable rockers?

As for cleaning up the mess, I doubt this happened instantly...more likely they've been grinding each other to death over the last few thousand miles and it now got bad enough that you could notice it.  Given that theory, your oil filter has most likely been catching the "dust" the whole time.

You could drop the pan and rinse/blow out whatever's left, but I think a full teardown of the engine is unnecessary.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree with the Lunati choice
I would do a couple of oil changes & check the oil pump for damage , if the damage is minmal you will be OK , you could replace the pump after you do 1 oil change

[dlrogers]

Thank you for the advice - I really apreciate it. I'll keep you posted as to where I go with this.

[dlrogers]

I just got cam specs back - sounds like it was pretty radical. I'll try and upload the doc. I'm going with the Lunati 60303 as suggested but need help identifying components that will be compatible - help please. I know I need a 3 bolt timing chain set - which one??? Hydraulic lifters - which ones???  Also...do I have to replace rods rocker arm assembly and springs? If so, what do I replace with? Currently it has double springs but I don't know anything about them. Your advice as always will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all