Small Block Lifter Premature Wear

[Craig Nedrow]

Just for some information, Crower hardens their cam shaft to 62 to 64 rockwell C Also the lifters around 60 to 62. That’s with the premium cam cores. In compairson, HSS cutting tools RC is ~64, pretty hard. Use the zink, I like GM breakin oil, and all breakin oil is $$ but it is insurance. That is a BIG difference from what you measured ~ 50ish. Your oil and engine is contaminated. I would bet you cam is damaged enough where it needs reground. Remove the intake and use a dial indicator and compare the life to the cam spec sheet, A few thou may be OK, and the face finish must be perfect. In any case it's a shame, work, money.

 

[Ricko1966]

Okay we dance around this anyway we want,just 1 lifter?I guarantee that lifter was too tight in the bore. Improper breakin,hardening oil, etc. would have wiped out more than just 1 lifter.