Camshaft replacement?
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
Camshaft replacement?
1976 F250 4X4
5.9 360 CI
Estimated mileage on motor: 110,000
Stock motor; top end rebuilt excluding camshaft/lifters; aluminum intake installed with 2bbl carb
At least 1 lifter is making noise possibly 2, they are on their way out and I would like to replace the lifters as I intend to use the motor at least for a while, I have read and been told that it is a sin to replace just the lifters since the cam and lifters are a matched set so my question(s) are:
Replace just the lifters?
Replace the cam and if replace the cam how difficult would it be without pulling the motor?
If I replace the camshaft should I worry about stressing the bottom end of the motor?
Just looking for thoughts, I am considering putting a mild camshaft in it in hopes of achieving slightly better economy and power.
If there is an existing forum/thread pertaining to this issue specifically, if you could link it that would be appreciated.
5.9 360 CI
Estimated mileage on motor: 110,000
Stock motor; top end rebuilt excluding camshaft/lifters; aluminum intake installed with 2bbl carb
At least 1 lifter is making noise possibly 2, they are on their way out and I would like to replace the lifters as I intend to use the motor at least for a while, I have read and been told that it is a sin to replace just the lifters since the cam and lifters are a matched set so my question(s) are:
Replace just the lifters?
Replace the cam and if replace the cam how difficult would it be without pulling the motor?
If I replace the camshaft should I worry about stressing the bottom end of the motor?
Just looking for thoughts, I am considering putting a mild camshaft in it in hopes of achieving slightly better economy and power.
If there is an existing forum/thread pertaining to this issue specifically, if you could link it that would be appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 2,354
You can put new lifters on a used cam but not the other way around.
With those miles the best thing to do would be to pull it and rebuild it. but if you just want to fix the immediate problems replace your lifters and check the pushrods and rockers over good. this is assuming your cam isn't shot of course.
With those miles the best thing to do would be to pull it and rebuild it. but if you just want to fix the immediate problems replace your lifters and check the pushrods and rockers over good. this is assuming your cam isn't shot of course.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 2,354
That's been a problem for years. the only decent ones are made by Johnson in the US and sold under various brand names . there are junk ones as well sold under various brand names.
I have confirmed that Howard's Cam brand lifters are made by Johnson. there are others but I'm not sure which ones .
I have confirmed that Howard's Cam brand lifters are made by Johnson. there are others but I'm not sure which ones .
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
Yeah I don't think my cam is bad or anything, just a lifter or 2 that's worn, I may check the lobe on the cam corresponding to the lifter(s)
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Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
My two cents. I'd never put new lifters on an old camshaft. Especially a flat tappet camshaft. I've never seen a pulled flat tappet camshaft that didn't have uneven wear on lobes. Getting at the lifters is no quick job. Adding a camshaft swap to the project won't add a whole lot of time.
Another thing to consider. Old lifters are going to have a carbon ridge around the bottom. They may even have a metal ridge from mushrooming. Pulling them up through the lifter bores can cause serious scoring. Enough to damage the new lifters, and/or make your oil pressure drop. It's a much safer practice to push the old lifters out from the top. Yes, this will involve removing the camshaft and the oil pan.
Another thing to consider. Old lifters are going to have a carbon ridge around the bottom. They may even have a metal ridge from mushrooming. Pulling them up through the lifter bores can cause serious scoring. Enough to damage the new lifters, and/or make your oil pressure drop. It's a much safer practice to push the old lifters out from the top. Yes, this will involve removing the camshaft and the oil pan.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 414
Likes: 40
From: C-town,MD
I would throw a new cam and lifters in there. It's pretty easy to do in the truck. You may need a new timing set and you should probably get new valve springs depending on your cam and what was done in your topend rebuild. Remember, bigger is usually not better when it comes to camshafts and stock engines. Do not get the Big ***** Thumpr. Just don't
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 1,318
From: Pryor, OK
Comp Cams Extreme Energy 262H or 268H are fantastic cams. I have the 268H in my 351M and it has just a slight but noticeable lope to it. They sale the whole kit including camshaft, lifter, timing set, and valve springs at Summit. Last time I looked the kit was around $400. Money well spent if you ask me.
Grumpy goat
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 594
Definitely the route I'd take.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
My intention someday is to rebuild an engine and swap it in, what that is or when it happens is not on the list right however aside from the lifter tap the engine runs good and I haven't had any mechanical issues with the motor which is why I am considering the cam/lifters route, just lifters, or hell just run it till it doesn't run.