rn_mccy

i bought a used 455 that was 'rebuilt'. In checking it out I found a cam lobe wiped out and the lifter is 3/16 shorter than all the rest. Should i take the short block in and get all new bearings installed?

J-(Chicago)

The entire engine has to come apart and get all of the metal washed ans scrubbed out of all the oiling passages. Sorry for your loss.

edzolz

If it ate a cam lobe, the only thing to do is have a complete rebuild. All of the metal from the lobe will be in all of the engine and the only way to remove it is a hot tank.

rn_mccy

i thought so. The cylinder bores look new. It's got keith black hyp. pistons so I want to fix it right. I've never installed engine and want to get it right before its in the car. Thanks for the replies ron

MDchanic

Not necessarily, but it should be completely disassembled and cleaned of all traces of debris, at which point the MAWs kick in, and you'll end up replacing the bearings anyway.

- Eric

Run to Rund

The piston skirts may have metal embedded in them from the worn out lifter; bearings too.

J-(Chicago)

Is this that one you picked up locally a couple years ago that everyone was rooting for?? If so, It pains me to hear about stories like that.

J-(Chicago)

How is the restoration going other than this mishap?

rn_mccy

yes thats the one. I will take it in have them work on it. I never thought about the pistons, kind of a bummer. I hope the maw's dont kick in too bad. I'm checking edel. heads, stroker kits. Somebody stop me. The resto going slow but i knew that when i started. Frame is blasted painted, new suspension, rebuilt type O 3.42's. Hoping to get motor trans complete. Body is next.

67Olds442X2

I had a lobe go flat also, have yet to tear engine apart but that's my plan, basically starting over for the third time. Good luck with yours.

Kennybill

Don't slit your wrists yet. Take it apart clean/inspect your assembly. "You" clean/wire brush oil galies. Look good at your cam bearings and oil pump. Maybe new rings, but probably new bearings. Follow instructions on cam break in. Zinc is your friend. Good luck, Ken

citcapp

Sad to hear about you engine. Usually these things happen in threes. Who's next?

J-(Chicago)

The reason for the point of failure must be determined before anything else, or history will keep repeating itself.

matt69olds

I found 2 lobes JUST starting to go when I removed the engine to fix a oil leak. Since I had the intake, heads, and oil pan off I figured I would re-lube the lifters with assembly paste. Had to lifters that didn't want to come out of the block. I fixed it by going roller!

matt69olds

So who will be the third?

cutlassefi

That's the ticket! Once you go roller you'll never go back!!!!

rn_mccy

Soon as I get my tax money back, engine will go in for bearing and whatever it needs. I am thinking I will go roller. Does anybody do crankshaft cap straps anymore or is that a waste? Just thinking about some small things to make it a better engine. Any suggestions.

VinMichael

Exactly why I'm going with a roller cam

cutlassefi

Depends on the anticipated hp level. But if you do that, you'll need to use studs then check the line bore and most probably have to have it align honed.

rn_mccy

it has studs already. Didn't know if anyone makes or use straps anymore. It also has a milodon gear drive. I don't think I'm going to use that. I haven't heard very many good things about them. Plus it would need electric fuel pump, I would rather have mech. fuel pump. Any have any experience with the gear drives?