Flat tappet lifter failure

[Terry Cain]

Has anyone converted Shubeck Hyd over to solids?

[jmantle]

Originally Posted by Terry Cain

Has anyone converted Shubeck Hyd over to solids?

Mine are converting themselves, 3 have the plungers stuck in the bottom position. Other than that, they still look like new after 12 seasons.
I would think with the new solid lifters allowed rule a better ceramic lifter could be built as they wouldn't have to allow room for the plunger, just a thought.

[Terry Cain]

Originally Posted by jmantle

Mine are converting themselves, 3 have the plungers stuck in the bottom position. Other than that, they still look like new after 12 seasons.
I would think with the new solid lifters allowed rule a better ceramic lifter could be built as they wouldn't have to allow room for the plunger, just a thought.

Just a guess but prob very few are in market for ceramic lifters. ain't been a motor built since 85 with flat tappets in Detroit. Just a guess.

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by Terry Cain

Just a guess but prob very few are in market for ceramic lifters. ain't been a motor built since 85 with flat tappets in Detroit. Just a guess.

So,..if you are set on being able to run roller lifters in a Stocker, there are almost 30 years worth of engine combinations in the NHRA Classification Guide that came from the factory WITH roller lifters, for you to choose from.

[Terry Cain]

Originally Posted by Rory McNeil

So,..if you are set on being able to run roller lifters in a Stocker, there are almost 30 years worth of engine combinations in the NHRA Classification Guide that came from the factory WITH roller lifters, for you to choose from.

Gotta ask yourself WHY did OEM decide to go to rollers if flats are cheaper to make?

[L.Fite]

Originally Posted by Terry Cain

Gotta ask yourself WHY did OEM decide to go to rollers if flats are cheaper to make?

My guess is the change in oil chemistry...

But there is supposed to be remedies for that... (additives)...

So... that begs the question, what is the REAL REASON for the failures?
Self inflicted... (spring pressure)...?
Crappy material/ QC...?
Or some yet unknown quantity...

Inquiring minds would like to know...

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by Terry Cain

Gotta ask yourself WHY did OEM decide to go to rollers if flats are cheaper to make?

Well, I am certainly not privy to what the OEs were thinking in the mid 80s, but my guess would be for a fractional improvement in CAFE gas mileage, along with thin piston rings, EFI, low drag, thin engine oils, overdrive transmissions, attention to aerodynamics, serpentine belt arrangements lightweight items , like aluminum blocks and heads, plastic valve covers, intake plenums, aluminum master cylinder and calipers, plastic and aluminum body panels, aluminum radiators and heater cores, smaller displacement engines, cylinder deactivation systems, electric cooling fans, roller rocker arms, aluminum driveshafts, etc.
Hmmm, almost makes you want to built a later model car to enjoy all those benefits, isn`t it!

[65signet]

Cummings went to roller lifters in the last few years, and they have had a lot of problems with lifter failure, and i heard its because of the oil, to get away from the high zinc oil.

[Darcy Clarke]

I have used Renegade race oil 5/20 and 10/30 it only comes in semi-synthetic, I have used it for over 10 years with great results.

Darcy Clarke
6254
A/SA SS/EA

[Rory McNeil]

I have been running Brad Penn/ Penngrade 1 high ZDDP oils on both my flat tappet, and hydraulic roller stuff, for many years, never had an issue. This oil is advertised as "the flat tappet oil" right on the bottle, and I have never felt the need to try to be a backyard chemist by trying to add any other "magic elixir " to it.