Lifter question...

[Toxie]

I have a 89 GP 3.1 with that I just had the heads done and I'm getting ready to put it back together this weekend. I have a couple question about the lifters and wanted to get some opinions from you all.

 

I was planning on replacing my lifters but I read that it is not recommended to put new lifters on an old cam. Whats your take?

 

If I do replace them, does the hole in side of the lifter go toward the hole in the side of the lifter bore or does it matter?

 

Should I pump them up with fresh oil before installing or install them "as is" but just put engine lube on them?

 

Thanks!

[Brian P]

On your setup, don't bother replacing them. Also, you have a flat tappet cam where the lifter "spins" while riding the cam lobe. In other words, don't worry about the oil hole position on the lifter body.

[Toxie]

Thanks for the info Woll Smoth.

 

Just curious, why do you say not to bother replacing them.. do they not wear?

 

The bottom of my old lifters look really flat without any worn mating surfaces from the cam and now I know why as I guess as they spin on the flat tappet cam they wear evenly.

 

Since I have over 200,000+ miles on these lifters I may replace them as they are cheap and now easy to get to. If I did replace them then you dont think there would be any issues with new lifters old cam? And should they be pumped up with oil before installing them?

 

Thanks a bunch!

[Brian P]

The new lifters are going to wear down the lobes of the old cam further. With 200k, if it were me I would replace the cam AND the lifters , but then again you may have to change the cam bearings if they need it too... could turn into a lot more work.

 

If the lifters are doing their job, staying pumped, quiet, etc then I would leave them alone. The MPFI 2.8/3.1 lifters are priority-fed by the oil pump before the main bearings are, so they'll typically hold together for a long time.