...I was going through my website and deducting the engine work I had done from the total of my car's value, since I am now putting in a new engine, and didn't want the final cost to include the 3 sets of exhaust I have put on, the various cams, intakes, etc. that I am not currently using. Anyway, I noted on December 2005 page that I reported that I had an audible "exhaust leak" on my number 3 cylinder...:16suspect Guess which cam lobe/lifter failed on me just recently... Apparently, this isn't a new problem, and I was seeing symptoms 2 years ago, just didn't know it. Just thought that was interesting. Kinda weird that I would post something that minor on the website and not know until it was too late that it wasn't quite so minor...
how did the #3 die? was it a valve issue? maybe cool air warped the valve over time or something? i am curious.
I haven't completely determined the reason for the failed lifter/lobe. Some think it was putting a new cam in and not swapping the springs to match, Some say poor lubrication. Maybe both Going roller cam and lifters this time so I don't have to worry about it. And putting new springs/retainers/locks on the valves to handle the extra lift.
That is most likely one, if the THE, culprit. Seems to be a common reason for failure for flat-tappet cams. One of the reasons I am going to roller...
Did you install new lifters? If you put a new cam in you should install it with a "kit". That way you get cam, lifters, and springs that match. I would never use old lifters with a new cam or put new lifters on an old cam. Putting a worn part with a new one when they rub together seems counter productive to me. Some mix and match without a problem but it seems to me that all new parts is cheap insurance.
The "kit" I bought was cam and lifters, some assembly lube. Maybe a small dab of locktite. No springs. That is what I get for buying a Summit kit. Comp kit comes with all the above, plus matching springs, retainers, and locks.
