[Pat-54]

This is what I found after tearing down my engine tonight. It had a tick/tap high in the motor after warming up to 210. Other symptoms included a misfire with the tap. This did not throw a CEL. I tried to treat it with motor flush and a couple oil changes. Oh, well. I just wanted to post this in case it helps anyone.

What are those exactly? I'm hearing a tapping boise from my 99 SE 2.5L with 188k on the clock. How much would replacements be ?

 

[Hurst]

Those are out of my 2003 with 97k. They are the lifters that are pushed up by the cam. They, in turn, push the rods, that push the rockers, that push the valves. Mine started random then grew more frequent over use. The camshaft beat the bottom of the lifter because it would stick. I'm not sure on the 4cyl. But, the other guys may have more input. The parts is $10. The labor is the killer.

 

[Pat-54]

Those are out of my 2003 with 97k. They are the lifters that are pushed up by the cam. They, in turn, push the rods, that push the rockers, that push the valves. Mine started random then grew more frequent over use. The camshaft beat the bottom of the lifter because it would stick. I'm not sure on the 4cyl. But, the other guys may have more input. The parts is $10. The labor is the killer.

What all do you have to do? Take the valve cover off and replace while the engine is TDC with piston #1? Or is it more involved

 

[Hurst]

First off- I'm no expert. The lifters are in the block, under the head. I would do it only if you are comfortable with pulling the head. Let's see what some of the forum veterans say about the degree of difficulty.

 

[NavyDoc1]

Throwing new lifters on an old cam isn't really a good idea, if yur lifter looked like that, what do yu think the corresponding cam lobe looks like? Replacing lifters on the 2.5 is just as much a pita as it is on the 4.0. IMO I would do a cam change as well, and take a good look at the cam bearings also

 

[demarpaint]

NavyDoc1 is correct. I'd also change the cam if you changed the lifters or you will ruin the new lifters in short order. If you do change the cam, and you should read up on the procedure for breaking in a new cam if instructions don't come with the new one. Follow them to the letter! Good luck!

 

[Blackhawk36]

That camshaft it toast. You need to change camshaft and lifters. Parts are now up to about $300. If you don't change, the cam you will be doing this again in short order.

 

[cuder]

I would do a complete rebuild or throw another crate motor in.

 

[mehbohdi]

I don't think you have to go to the extreme of replacing engine but, it did fail for a reason and I would try to find out what caused it? Usually they fail due to lubrication problems or lack of. Demarpaint and Blackhaw36 are both correct the cam is done. Replace cam and lifters and maybe the offended pushrod and rocker arm. Sounds like the motor has enough miles on it to conclude its not a breakin failure. Good luck

 

[Digger84]

at least new cam and lifters

Hurst on many OHV engines you can remove lifters after removing rocker and push rod with a magnet to pull out the lifter out without having to remove the heads

 

[colorubi]

Ouch- a lot of us are going to be concerned when a persistent tick starts up now! Did you notice any power drop as this was developing?
How did the other lifters and cam lobes look?

 

[demarpaint]

I would also confirm oil pressure and make sure the oil passages are clean if you do swap out the cam. Those parts failed for a reason, usually lack of oil or poor maintenance can be the cause.

 

[Hurst]

colorubi - it started as a once in a while tick. Then I noticed a missfire feeling and drop out. Very random. Both symptoms grew worse over time.

Thanks for all the input from everyone- I was just posting my pics. I had already planned on pulling the cam and replacing it. I dropped off the head at a machine shop today. They are going to go through it, check it all out, put LS1 valves in it and port it. (I figured while they are checking it out might as well beef it up). I'm gonna do a mild cam upgrade, new lifters, rods & timing set. I will post my results and pics of the steps if anyone is interested.

Thanks again for the help. This forum is great!

 

[Hurst]

colorubi- sorry- the other lifters looked perfect. I have not pulled the cam yet, but when I do I will posts pics of the damage.

 

[Blackhawk36]

Just look down the hole for that bad lifter. You will see the lobe all dinged up.

 

[colorubi]

You might look at the oil pump while you are at it. Some metal may likely be pulled thru the screen and scored up the gears and housing. I don't know the oiling galleys layout in a 4.0 L, but small block Chevys send unfiltered oil to the rear main bearing and can get hurt when metal runs thru the oil pump.

 

[Hurst]

I took a peek down the lifter cup and did not see any damage on the cam. But I'm sure something may show up on the cam when I pull it out. Good call on the oil pump. I will scope it out.