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Is it Unwise to install New Lifters without REPLACING the OLD cam?

16K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  cobalt327 
#1 ·
I have Lifter noise in a 2001 Firebird, 5 speed, 3.8L or 3800 V6. There's a lot of sludge on top of the rocker arms; therefore, I'm planning on cleaning the engine with a heavy "oil cleaner" then draining oil and reassembling al. If I need to change out lifters, will the NEW lifters damage or rapidly wear down the lobes on the original Camshaft? Thanks!

Icsmannn :confused:
 
#2 ·
If they are flat tappet. Clean your present lifters. Do not mix them up. Return to original holes if they pass wear inspection. Otherwise replace cam and lifters.

With the modern oils, you will destroy the assembly, if you put new lifters on an old cam

If the lifters are roller. Inspect the camshaft for wear pattern. If cam has no pits or bad spots. Install new lifters and re assemble..
 
#5 ·
icsmannn said:
I have Lifter noise in a 2001 Firebird, 5 speed, 3.8L or 3800 V6. There's a lot of sludge on top of the rocker arms; therefore, I'm planning on cleaning the engine with a heavy "oil cleaner" then draining oil and reassembling al. If I need to change out lifters, will the NEW lifters damage or rapidly wear down the lobes on the original Camshaft? Thanks!

Icsmannn :confused:
Only because your engine has roller lifters (from '86-up, IIRC) is it acceptable to replace the old lifters w/new- like BOBCRMAN said already.

You do need to check the rocker arms for wear- especially on the noisy valves. The noise could be from the lifter, rocker, worn or bent pushrod or even from low oil pressure so check this over carefully before you put new lifters in it- it might not need them and they might not fix the noise.
 
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