Topic: Update: New Lifters On An Old Camshaft (100K+)

[RockyMtnYJ]

Hi!

95 YJ with a 2.5 that has 98,000 on it.  The lifters are REALLY noisy.  My local mechanic wants to pull the lifters and possibly replace them if they aren't "too worn."

Now here's my dilema:

If they are worn, how worn is "too worn" to replace them without replacing the camshaft?  I know what the service manual says, but I also know that this isn't a perfect world either.

Here's my second dilema:

I really don't want to bother replacing the camshaft on a high RPM engine with 98,000 on it -- Even though the bottom end runs well and doesn't burn any oil that I can tell. I'd rather replace the whole engine and put my hard earned dollars into a nice long block with plenty of top notch mods and accessories.

How would you experienced fellas handle all of this?

[RockyMtnYJ]

Well nobody proffered any advice on this post, so here's an update just in case anyone becomes interested in the future:

I replaced all 8 lifters tonight, then took a 60 mile, break-in, drive.

The old lifters (100K) had begun failing internally, but externally, the bases weren't worn enough to indicate any noteworthy cam wear.  I was quite pleased to see this -- especially on an engine with this much mileage.  The push rods were about as straight as one could hope for, but I bet I would have bent one eventually had I not corrected the lifter problem.  Dang things cost about $3.50 each, and nobody has any in stock around here.  I was hoping to grab a few to have on hand just in case I found a bent rod.  I guess the most valuable tidbit from this is that even a 100K, 4 Banger, can go a looooooooong way without any wear (other than polish) on the camshaft!  

There is no more "rat tat tat tat", I'm getting improved accelerations, and a nice, flat idle now.  Based on my little peek inside the engine, I wouldn't be surprised to get another 100K out of her!  No sludge that I could see.  In fact, I was shocked that the engine is so clean inside after so many miles and previous owners!  My local mechanic wanted $200.00 plus to change the lifters for me.  They cost me less than $40.00 and only took about 2 hours to replace.  Definitely worth the little bit of money and trouble to get many more miles out of my healthy lower end.

I had a number of folks tell me I'd DEFINITELY regret doing this on an older engine, (including my Haynes manual)  but I think my biggest regret could have been deciding to listen to them instead of using my own common sense.  While I'm mechanically inclined, I'm not an experienced auto mechanic, so I'm very happy I followed my own instincts on this one - otherwise I'd probably be spending thousands on a replacement engine instead of $45.00 for lifters, lube, and one special tool.  *smiles*

[yellowta]

I did the same thing in my old 94 YJ with about 130k on it. Ran a good bit quieter afterwards and revved smoother. Ended up spinning a rod bearing on the way home from Biloxi MS, but that was a completely different issue. Damn oil pump drive was broke and starving the engine of oil  :evil:   I think it should last fine, I don't see why it wouldn't... other than all that theoretical stuff that the mechanics throw at you about wear patterns and what not :wink:

[RockyMtnYJ]

Had the bases of the original lifters exhibited any signs of external wear - except some polish, I would never have replaced them. Ditto if they were solid lifters, or combined with adjustable rockers.  I'm dealing with this the same way I'd deal with a rebuilt engine.  ie - used assembly lube on the bases, added some Marvel mystery oil, installed a magnetic oil pan plug, change the oil after the 1st 500 miles, etc.

What cracks me up is some guy on another BBS just told me this morning that the new lifters are going to eat the lobes right off my camshaft!  I think some people just don't understand physics -- especially friction. In about 5000 miles (4 months) he'll be eating some crow.