lifter rust
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Blacksburg, VA
lifter rust
I bought some new Comp Cams lifters, and they've been sitting around for a couple months. I pulled them out of the box yesterday, and there is surface rust on quite a few of them, even though the box has not been wet. Can I just rub this out with some fine grit sandpaper? Or emory cloth? Which grit would you recommend? Luckily, most of the rust is confined to the base of the lifter, not the walls.
Thanks
-James
Thanks
-James
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: chicago burbs
that's bad news, i'd say the bottom is the worst place? my last set of Clevite/Dana lifters had a "rougher than i would of thought" finish on them. try rubbing the rust off with an oily rag first. if they are pitted much i'd say forget it. if you think you can put a new finish on them with some 600 grit or finer "wet or dry" paper give it a try?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Blacksburg, VA
I'll try what you recommend (and will probably call Comp also). I figured the bottom was better than the sides, since any pitting in the sides would end up trapping oil in the lifter bore. I'll see what I can do with 600 grit paper.
Thanks
Thanks
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Peoria, IL (more or less)
Try using 600 grit wet/dry paper on a sheet of glass or something else relatively flat. A surface plate or table is perfect but most people don't have them. Use solvent or mineral spirits to wet things down. Move the lifter in a figure "8" motion. Every 20 or so "cycles" rotate the lifter a quarter turn in your fingers- this keeps the spherical contour on the lifter base.
This has worked for me for years- in fact I do it to all my new hyd./solid lifters before installation because I think the finish is a little too "aggressive", especially nowadays... Goes without saying, clean them thoroughly before the install.
Use EOS & a zinc-base oil for break-in & you'll be fine, unless the lifters are actually pitted.
This has worked for me for years- in fact I do it to all my new hyd./solid lifters before installation because I think the finish is a little too "aggressive", especially nowadays... Goes without saying, clean them thoroughly before the install.
Use EOS & a zinc-base oil for break-in & you'll be fine, unless the lifters are actually pitted.
