Lifter/Cam problems
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Good practice after a cam or lifter replacement is to check that the lifters are spinning as the engine is running. If you can't watch the lifters themselves, watching the pushrods spin will be almost as good. The machining on the face of the lifter, and the cam itself, if it isn't right, the lifter won't spin.
I've been through this myself, with the first "hipo" 390 I built. Second time around, got it all right, and it ran for years and many miles with no problems.
The first one, it's hard to tell if it was the cam, the lifters, or the lifter bores in the block. But it all has to be checked. Easiest way is to run it, and watch the pushrods
It's been my experience that the Chinese CAN make high quality iron/steel, AND machine it right - but the states-side company has to give a crap and make them do it right.
No matter what, it sounds like this engine had a problem that could be found up front if you keep the valve covers off and keep an eye on it for an hour...
I've been through this myself, with the first "hipo" 390 I built. Second time around, got it all right, and it ran for years and many miles with no problems.
The first one, it's hard to tell if it was the cam, the lifters, or the lifter bores in the block. But it all has to be checked. Easiest way is to run it, and watch the pushrods
It's been my experience that the Chinese CAN make high quality iron/steel, AND machine it right - but the states-side company has to give a crap and make them do it right.
No matter what, it sounds like this engine had a problem that could be found up front if you keep the valve covers off and keep an eye on it for an hour...
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Well, there is that 
A couple piece of sheet metal will keep most of it from going anywhere
A couple piece of sheet metal will keep most of it from going anywhere
( I haul fuel and get em free 
)
I get both free 
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