Lifter recommendations

[thejunkman]

I have at least one collapsed lifter (will be pulling valve covers off and testing tonight or tomorrow). This engine sat for many years and when we brought it to life again 4 years ago it's always had a bit of a tick, but this year after winter storage the tick is louder than it has been. I tried to band aid it with all the mechanic in a bottle remedies and nothing is helping. Since I've been reading it's possible to pull lifters without removing the intake, and lifters are pretty cheap I was thinking of throwing a new set in.

Anyone have a recommendation on brands? This is hydraulic flat tappet, stock cam, low compression stock truck engine (390). Some of the reviews for the $80-$90 sets complained of ticking at start up. I would like to avoid any more ticking. These look kind of appealing to me:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cro- ... refilter=1

As stated in a post before I don't like the idea of putting new lifters on an old worn cam, but if I have little $$ and time to lose right now, I'll go for it. I need to rely on this truck for the next couple of months as I am about to start a project on my daily.

[1972hiboy]

I went through this when I did my dads 390. here's the trick. whatever brand you go with take each lifter and shake it. if it rattles, exchange it. I got a whole set of lifters for my dads truck that was stock so we were replacing the hydraulic lifters on it. when i took them all out i shook them, eight rattled. I didnt think they were supposed to rattle since the spring inside is supposed to hold the cup up so i exchanged them. engine had perfect quiet startups vs my 390 i built a few years prior that that will rattle for a second or two after sitting for a bit.

[thejunkman]

Thanks! Good info! Did you put them on the stock used cam? Did you have any wear issues? And were you actually able to snake them out of the intake or did you have to pull it apart?

[1972hiboy]

We did just put put a new set on the existing cam. we had the heads off to rebuild and went with a new set of lifter and pushrods. we didn't have a problem with wear. I did slather the cam and pushrods with assembly lube and did the routine cam break in procedure. So we had the intake off. I dont see how you would be able to get the lifter out without pulling the intake though. unless you get really creative? Ive always associated lifters out then intake comes off for an FE.

[thejunkman]

I keep reading on several forums that it is "possible." I'm not so sure I'm convinced. But apparently you can get a telescoping magnet down in the pushrod hole after removing the pushrod, pull them up and some how snake them out from the intake. I'm not sure it would be any easier than removing the intake, other than the fact FE intakes are so heavy. I'm gonna have to do some more research.

[cep62]

I remember my dad sneaking some out on an FE .
He had a tool that would expand and grip the inner lifter to pull it out of the bore, then fish it up with a magnet.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr- ... aQod4UMMeQ

[Busboy]

In reading my 69 ford F-250's owners manual, I was alarmed to read that they say light lifter tapping upon engine startup is normal.

[thejunkman]

In reading my 69 ford F-250's owners manual, I was alarmed to read that they say light lifter tapping upon engine startup is normal.

My dad always seemed to have FE's when I was growing up. I remember all of them ticking and him commenting on it. One truck I know he had to change lifters in but I was too young to know what was going on. That same truck I remember one time him doing main bearings and stuff with the engine still in the truck. Can't remember the details, but I remember it was an all night scramble to get it back together (it was in his dump truck for his business).

Unfortunately I would say mine are now beyond the point of "light lifter tapping" and my vaccuum readings won't stay steady anymore . Still runs pretty well though all things considered.

[daveford72]

I bought a lifter removal tool off E bay. It was used. Made by snap-on for $40. Worked great, did not remove intake just rocker rail.

[BobbyFord]

A lot of the time when these trucks sit, the valve guides get gummed up, resulting in bent or slightly bent pushrods.
Have you had the valve covers off yet? Check for any bent pushrods.

[thejunkman]

A lot of the time when these trucks sit, the valve guides get gummed up, resulting in bent or slightly bent pushrods.
Have you had the valve covers off yet? Check for any bent pushrods.

Not yet. Been hoping to dig into it but life keeps getting in the way. Good advice though. I'll check them out.