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Re: Warning-Bad Lifters

To: 6pack list <6pack@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: Warning-Bad Lifters
From: Peter Macholdt <vze2846b@verizon.net>
Date: Wed, 21 May 2003 16:55:51 -0400
Stupid question- how do you tell if new lifters are too soft (before you run
them for several thousand miles)?

Peter
'68 TR250


on 5/21/03 1:14 PM, Dave Mahlmeister at dmahlmeister@peoplepc.com wrote:

> Hi Listers,
> I just have to share my experience with all so that you
> can avoid the work and expense that I'm going through
> on my 6.  A few years back I pulled my engine and did
> an extensive (expensive) rebuild with many new
> internals including a slightly hotter street cam and
> new lifters. Well I thought that I wouldn't have to go
> in there for many years to come but I was wrong.  This
> spring my head gasket blew when my car overheated while
> I was replacing my coolant.  That's not so bad.  I
> pulled the head and while it was off I pulled some of
> the lifters up to take a peek at how they were doing
> and was SHOCKED!  Three of the lifters had extensive
> galling and pitting.  Another two had minor pitting but
> the worst part came when I took a flashlight and
> checked my lobes on the cam. DISASTER!  The cam was
> ruined.  The lobes were really "rounded".  So now my
> head gasket repair has turned into more than an
> afternoon job and the price of repair has reached
> critical mass.  In my search for a new cam I spoke with
> Ken Gillanders at British Frame and Engine.  Ken is one
> GREAT GUY. He is very helpful and has a passion for
> triumphs.  He informed me that soft lifters are being
> manufactured in many parts of the world. You can't be
> sure that what your getting, even from the big 3, is
> going to be good quality and reliable. Mine came from
> one of the big 3 but I would have to check my receipts
> to see which one and that was a few years back.  In my
> case five of the twelve failed but really all it takes
> is one.  So beware if your rebuilding or thinking of
> rebuilding, it pays to scrutinize the parts your
> installing. My intention is not to bash our parts
> suppliers because they have been faithful to our marque
> and have helped me bring my car back to life. I just
> want to others avoid driving down the same road I did.
> 
> Cheers,
> Dave Mahlmeister
> 72 Tr6 
> 
> ________________________________________________
> PeoplePC:  It's for people. And it's just smart.
> http://www.peoplepc.com 

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