Re: Flat tappet lifter failure
GM had a cam core problem in the 80s...
That was the source I'm told of the woes they had with cams going flat back then.
I don't think you will find a warm welcome to the roller cam solution on here, judging by previous posts.
It is a pandoras box, as far as tech. or lack thereof is concerned.
I don't know how far the limits on duration are on current flat tappet cams is, it sounds as they may have found it.
I don't know if a roller has anything to add as far as duration or profiles go that would increase performance, Stan or someone who is more up to date on current technology than I would probably be able to elaborate on that.
At this point I think tech. would be the major problem to allowing more loosening of a rule regarding this.
It seems like its partially a quality control issue as far as the lifters go.
everything I see or read says the lifter hardness hasn't changed, but that the finish of the face is inconsistent.
I feel like (no, I know) the additive package in the oil has changed due to EPA and such, which is why OEMs have gone roller.
With that in mind there is little motivation for anyone to continue making flat tappet components.
Like many of the parts used in "stock" this is a small market and at some point the parts will be unobtainable, as the bean counters won't allow these low volume items to continue being made.
Just some ramblings...
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