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used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? #2382376
10/05/17 01:01 PM
10/05/17 01:01 PM
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Lincoln Nebraska
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RapidRobert Offline OP
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Well used cam/lifters in the right order (318) to go into another engine (360) to get it running to sort out leaking head gasket issue, will there be a problem with this? A guy mentioned once that the slight lifter bore angle difference from engine to engine would be an issue. thank you for your time.


live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382380
10/05/17 01:05 PM
10/05/17 01:05 PM
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West Plains, MO
DrCharles Offline
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popcorn

Some feel that it's OK but you have to go through another break-in since there are slight differences in lifter bores. Others will tell you not to even try. Or just go ahead and run it if you're using stock or near-stock spring pressures. Or buy an inexpensive new Summit cam/lifter set (which then needs a break-in)...

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: DrCharles] #2382381
10/05/17 01:08 PM
10/05/17 01:08 PM
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up yours
Supercuda Offline
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Originally Posted By DrCharles
popcorn

Some feel that it's OK but you have to go through another break-in since there are slight differences in lifter bores. Others will tell you not to even try. Or just go ahead and run it if you're using stock or near-stock spring pressures. Or buy an inexpensive new Summit cam/lifter set (which then needs a break-in)...



So, to translate...

I dunno.

Me, used stock 318 cam and lifter in a stock 360, I'd just run it. But that's my opinion, not interested in guessing other's opinions.


They say there are no such thing as a stupid question.
They say there is always the exception that proves the rule.
Don't be the exception.
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382389
10/05/17 01:24 PM
10/05/17 01:24 PM
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Iowa
burdar Offline
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Iowa
I had a stock 340 purpleshaft cam in a 360 for awhile before upgrading. I saved the cam and labeled all the lifters. Later on, I installed the cam in a 318. I put the lifters back on the lobes they came off of and did another break-in. I don't have a LOT of miles on the engine but so far so good.

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382391
10/05/17 01:27 PM
10/05/17 01:27 PM
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Porter67 Offline
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If your going to do it very short term, Id think youd spot/hear a [roblem before it filled your engine with alot of junk or worse.

Ive seen friends do it, actually did it for them with there parts and it worked every time in a mild application, id not do it myself because im just that lucky.

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: Supercuda] #2382393
10/05/17 01:39 PM
10/05/17 01:39 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,365
St. Charles, MO
wingman Offline
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Originally Posted By Supercuda

So, to translate...

I dunno.

Me, used stock 318 cam and lifter in a stock 360, I'd just run it. But that's my opinion, not interested in guessing other's opinions.


I'm afraid all you are going to get on this topic is opinions.

I'd wager that NO cam/lifter manufacturer is going to endorse/recommend this practice.

And I'm sure you'll get guy's chiming in with anecdotes: "I've done it and it ran 100,000 miles" or "My buddy did it and trashed his motor".

I'd be shocked if there has been any kind of study done to say yea or nay.

Ultimately it comes down to how much you have invested in the motor and how much you want to invest, it's intended use, the life you hope to get out of it, and how lucky do you feel...


1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 383 A4
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440 FC7 (sold)
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382394
10/05/17 01:43 PM
10/05/17 01:43 PM
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Ohio
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jlatessa Offline
pro stock
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Ohio
Took a stock cam and lifters from my A-12 a loooong time ago and put them in my buddy's GTX, he ran them for ten years with no problems,

So on a low buck deal, I say give it a try...
Joe

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: wingman] #2382427
10/05/17 02:40 PM
10/05/17 02:40 PM
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Lincoln Nebraska
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RapidRobert Offline OP
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Quote:
how lucky do you feel...
this is the leaking head gasket from Hell eng (5th fireup just went bad) so I do not feel lucky! Thanks a bunch guys...


live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382510
10/05/17 04:28 PM
10/05/17 04:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,800
North Dakota
Azzkikrcuda Offline
top fuel
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North Dakota
I have a Bigblock Mopar 484 cam and lifters that just went into its 5th engine last week. I had to replace the lifters this time because they got rusted from sitting. I expect no problems, lobes still look nice.


The only Carbs I care about are under the hood!
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382519
10/05/17 04:39 PM
10/05/17 04:39 PM
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Posts: 1,255
Columbus, GA
Michael Ecks Offline
pro stock
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Columbus, GA
I would do it with no break in and no worry, but I've pretty lucky with such things. If you're concerned and assuming the wear pattern on the cam itself looks normal, then get a fresh set of lifters and go through normal cam run in proceedure. Coat cam with high pressure grease, verify lifter rotation, break in additive, 30 min at 2200 rmp or so, change oil, etc. etc.


"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of
your thoughts" ~ Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382523
10/05/17 04:43 PM
10/05/17 04:43 PM
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Posts: 6,545
Downtown Roebuck Ont
Twostick Offline
Still wishing...
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Stock cam and springs? I've done it. 340 cam to a 318 with assorted lifters from a bucket. No ill effects and no break in, just threw it together and ran it.

Kevin

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382533
10/05/17 05:05 PM
10/05/17 05:05 PM
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Paul_Fancsali Offline
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Done it 7 times never a problem I soak lifters in ATF then I lube cam with bearing grease

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: Paul_Fancsali] #2382623
10/05/17 08:06 PM
10/05/17 08:06 PM
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Lincoln Nebraska
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RapidRobert Offline OP
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Alright You (all) have convinced me, I will go ahead & not sweat it, this is actually going to be brief run in times to try & sort out the head gasket situation. I did not want a potential bunch of metal in there if it turns out I can resolve this with just a gasket change as opposed to a complete tear down (#6) but I don't feel lucky!


live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382661
10/05/17 09:05 PM
10/05/17 09:05 PM
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Granite Bay CA
Kern Dog Offline
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I don't know why anyone would criticize this. The lifters are going back on the same lobes. If the lifters spin easy in the bores of both engines, it will make no difference.
3 things lead to cam/lifter failure:
Improper break in.
Improper oil/lubrication.
Lifters do not rotate in the bores.
If the cam and lifters were fine in the first engine and the lifters rotate easily in the 2nd block, there is no reason to anticipate a failure if you use good oil.

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382668
10/05/17 09:12 PM
10/05/17 09:12 PM
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On The Boat, On The Lake, Wa. ...
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I've done it, no break-in, no problems.

And it wasn't no stock cam either, high lift, somewheres in the .530" or more. Been MANY years ago, in the late '60s, '68 or '69.


Tom

"Everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll go fishing."

-Henry David Thoreau

Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths

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Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: Kern Dog] #2382699
10/05/17 10:07 PM
10/05/17 10:07 PM
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Lincoln Nebraska
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RapidRobert Offline OP
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Quote:
Lifters do not rotate in the bores.
If the cam and lifters were fine in the first engine and the lifters rotate easily in the 2nd block, there is no reason to anticipate a failure if you use good oil.
Noted, I will confirm they rotate when I hand spin the cam.


live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382864
10/06/17 09:50 AM
10/06/17 09:50 AM
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West Central Wi.
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I put a used purple shaft in my 340 years ago. but I did install new lifters. never had a problem. the oil quality then may have helped!


HEMI,S ARE FOREVER!!!
Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: RapidRobert] #2382935
10/06/17 01:14 PM
10/06/17 01:14 PM
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Connecticut
FurryStump Offline
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Lifters spin, good to go.


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Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: FurryStump] #2383059
10/06/17 05:46 PM
10/06/17 05:46 PM
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Eagle, Idaho
Neil Offline
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I sold a used 268 comp cam for $20.00 years ago to a friend and he installed it in his engine with new lifters and ran it no problems. As far as I know that engine is still together.

I wonder if there was some way the cam companies couldn't do a break-in before selling them? Make up some sort of machine that replicates the top half of an engine that runs off an electric motor for 20 minutes while motor oil is being recirculated over the moving parts. I bet people would pay more for a cam that was ready to go, or closer to it. So long as the lifters spin free in the customers block it seems like there would be a little less to worry about.

Re: used cam/lifters into another block. Problem or OK? [Re: Neil] #2383063
10/06/17 06:02 PM
10/06/17 06:02 PM
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Pattison Texas
CSK Offline
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Originally Posted By Neil
I sold a used 268 comp cam for $20.00 years ago to a friend and he installed it in his engine with new lifters and ran it no problems. As far as I know that engine is still together.

I wonder if there was some way the cam companies couldn't do a break-in before selling them? Make up some sort of machine that replicates the top half of an engine that runs off an electric motor for 20 minutes while motor oil is being recirculated over the moving parts. I bet people would pay more for a cam that was ready to go, or closer to it. So long as the lifters spin free in the customers block it seems like there would be a little less to worry about.


Here you go, Camshaft break in machine

CLICK HERE


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