Engine Building Part 10 - Hydraulic Lifters, Choosing, Cleaning, Assembling, Installing Roller Lifte

[@dntlss]

Subscribed,Pete you have the face of honesty and knowledge,been working on cars all my life but i enjoy watching others work,excellent video.

[@PetesGarage]

That is so nice of you, thank you

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Hi Pete Just wanted to tell you I have a very popular automotive you tube channel that is machine shop based I have many engine builds from start to finish I pride myself on putting out videos that have accurate info and procedures, there are so many engine building videos that are terrible! bad lighting /bad information tons of profanity and so on however I have nothing but respect for you, your videos are very good some of the best I have seen keep up the good work well made videos and your information is spot on I always find myself watching videos and saying what is this guy talking about so much bad info with your videos I can't really find anything you have said that is wrong GREAT JOB!

[@gst69man]

and Pete did not resort to begging for money from viewers.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend, I have to admit I've watched some of your videos to do a sanity check on a few things before I said them. I doubt myself often and you are a great resource to confirm what I think. Your video are also excellent, they have helped me a time or two. If I watch a video laced with foul language and low class behavior, I skip it. It's disappointing to see people with no respect for themselves, they are the ones that give car guys a bad name. Thanks again!

[@sandylake304]

Pretty funny----Pete and My Vintage Iron are the two guys I'm relying on for my first SBC rebuild (vortec head swap recommended by MVI)!

[@Togglefree]

Your videos are outstanding! I've been on your channel numerous times.

[@buxbbu9512]

Great channel, very informative. Thanks!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@ercost60]

Best video on KZbin! Great explanation, TYVM!

[@PetesGarage]

Wow, thanks!

[@arlanmaxwell9932]

I finally know how lifters work. Thanks Pete. Awesome video

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@lyndonbushnell8080]

I never knew how important the lifters were, great information Pete.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad to help

[@THEVROD64]

Very Great Video.Well Done

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@rpman4787]

I appreciate your videos, but let's not forget. The purpose of the hydraulic lifter, (roller, or flat tappet), is to ease maintenance of the valvetrain, and to quiet it down, and so you don't have to set the lash every few thousand miles. The oil pump is going to pump oil to the rest of the valvetrain through solid lifters as well. Some people are not aware that "solid" only means there are no moving parts. (plunger, spring, retainer, etc...). They do have an oil port machined into them to channel oil through the pushrods, to the rockers. Not trying to be a jerk. I just thought that info should have been included.

[@PetesGarage]

Excellent point, thank you for the information.

[@trishapinczes7818]

RP Manone is correct. i like the video but you should fix it. alot of people don't read the coments and theres enough false info out there without adding to it. think of the hydraulic lifter as the shock obsorber of an engines valvetrain the ports in the lifter like ports in a shock relieve pressure in a metered amount to control and protect the valvetrain like a shock controls and protects the movements of a suspension. so advantage and disadvantage of a hydraulic lifter is when there is too much pressure on the lifter for example like a short over rev situation the lifter relieves the pressure to help keep from bending pushrods or rocker arms or damaging the cam lobes and with that protection the parts last longer also when you use solid lifters you have to leave a few thousandths lash to account for heat expansion of parts and to keep parts from binding that lash causes some valvetrain noise and requires regular adjustment as the parts wear. disadvantage of hydraulic is the oil pressure inside the lifter is what allows the valve to open fully allowing more air and fuel so when your oil gets low the first thing you usually hear is the lifter tap the lifters are collapsing and not opening the valves fully, reducing power. but even with full pressure under racing abuse at super high rpm's the lifters can partially collapse reducing engine power so some race engines will use the solid lifters to keep the valves open under extreme abuse and high rpm's. so to sum it up if you have a extreme performance high rpm race car that gets checked and adjusted after every race solid lifters are for you but everybody else your probly better off sticking with the hydraulic lifters that are capable of making plenty of power. but remember like having the right valve springs for a cams lift you also need the right calibrated lifters for your cam as well.

[@dons1932]

​@@trishapinczes7818 Rubbish. The whole 'solid rollers are for race engines' is 90s nonsense. So long as you have the right springs in it, and you break it in and then do the lash again, you're good to go. I've done 10,000 miles on a 950hp solid roller 350 chev - entirely street driven - and the lash is still perfect. The only thing you want to do is check it to make sure it hasn't changed, but no adjustments needed. If you have a 3,500hp doorslammer engine - of course you're going to be checking the lash every half an hour or so, which is where this stupid rumour comes from. Almost ANY engine these days - aside from the very very mild - will benefit from a solid roller cam. Or, you can be like everyone else who believes the rumour, fit a hyd roller, and then with any half decent power of 600hp+, wipe lobes and cause valvetrain damage every other month. If you had any idea what NASCAR had to do to get the cam system to stay together without even a roller cam, you would appreciate that even after all their development, that the cam and entire valvetrain was basically junk after a few hundred miles.

[@maximusvonce1381]

I run a Comp Cams street solid roller Extreme Energy Xr292R in my 438 Windsor 68 Mustang. I use all the good parts including Isky Bushed Lifters. Cam is 621 627 lift 254, 258@50 duration. Lash was checked at 500 miles and spot on. Lash was checked again 2 years later after 1800 miles and 2 exhaust valve lifters off .002-.003. Rest were off like .001. Car sees consistent 7200 rpm blasts and full throttle runs on street. Car is driven hard. I have no idea why lash backed off .002-.003 on 2 lifters but it did. Isky bushed are supposed to be the best. Can't see how you went 3k miles and lash never moved. But maybe you have smaller cam than me, or you don't run car to 7200rpm. Solid roller lash should be checked at least every 2 years. I am guessing maybe those 2 isky bushed lifters may be wearing or something else wearing. But to go 3k miles in a 950hp solid roller car and no lash change is hard to fathom. Unless you drive real mellow all the time. But who drives a solid roller car mellow?. Also. Comp cams needle bearing lifters are crap and ruined a motor i had before. That's why i went isky bushed. Maybe motor was still breaking in and that's why some lifters moved. But i have heard isky bushed are the best.

[@maximusvonce1381]

I run a Comp Cams street solid roller Extreme Energy Xr292R in my 438 Windsor 68 Mustang. I use all the good parts including Isky Bushed Lifters. Cam is 621 627 lift 254, 258@50 duration. Lash was checked at 500 miles and spot on. Lash was checked again 2 years later after 1800 miles and 2 exhaust valve lifters off .002-.003. Rest were off like .001. Car sees consistent 7200 rpm blasts and full throttle runs on street. Car is driven hard. I have no idea why lash backed off .002-.003 on 2 lifters but it did. Isky bushed are supposed to be the best. Can't see how you went 3k miles and lash never moved. But maybe you have smaller cam than me, or you don't run car to 7200rpm. Solid roller lash should be checked at least every 2 years. I am guessing maybe those 2 isky bushed lifters may be wearing or something else wearing. But to go 3k miles in a 950hp solid roller car and no lash change is hard to fathom. Unless you drive real mellow all the time. But who drives a solid roller car mellow?. Also. Comp cams needle bearing lifters are crap and ruined a motor i had before. That's why i went isky bushed. Maybe motor was still breaking in and that's why some lifters moved. But i have heard isky bushed are the best

[@jeffmccartney3981]

Thanks Pete, I had questions on what was best and why. Another great video.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@spignetti]

I just ordered the Howard Cam link bar lifters....I just love throwing money into the Windsor! lol.....Big bucks Pete. It's a days wage..what the hell!! ..thanks again for the info....your vids rock!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks David, good luck

[@LogikalMindset]

Pete you´re bad ass!!Thanks!!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Charlie

[@BigDaddysGarage]

I learn a lil something from almost all your videos. But I learned so much from this one! Thank you for doing what you do!!!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much Flint

[@cammontreuil7509]

Flint there is one detail you missed and he didn't talk about.

[@landowpr7627]

Thank you Man! For the details on this work 💪🤝🥰

[@PetesGarage]

My pleasure!

[@americanfreedom1]

My friend went full roller with all Howard's stuff and the end result was way beyond what I ever would have thought. I run flat tappet but will be going roller next go around.

[@PetesGarage]

Interesting, thanks for sharing

[@tonypetruzzo544]

Hi Pete, I really did like the hydraulic lifter video, all with great detailed information. Tony

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Tony

[@mickthomassen2887]

Another informative video Pete. Thx again for sharing your knowledge👍👍👍👍

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Mick

[@paranoyd29906]

Great video. Thanks

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@BlytheLifeRacing]

The spring is for preload it does not act as a pump, oil pressure "pumps" up the lifter. solid lifters oil through the lifter and pushrod same as hydraulic lifters. hydraulic lifters require less maintenance to keep valve lash/preload in check, solid lifters have to be checked and relashed

[@PetesGarage]

That is true

[@cammontreuil7509]

Not all solid lifters have oil running through them.

[@chuckezell7614]

Awesome info Thanks Pete

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@otherstuffbybob]

Thanks Pete

[@BubbaAyers1969]

Glad I found your video, I’ve built no telling how many flat tappet sbc engines, were fixing to convert a 78 010 high nickel block 4 bolt to roller cam for a supercharger, thx for sharing

[@PetesGarage]

Very cool!

[@brandonbell3089]

High nickel 🤣🤣🤣. That’s a old wives tale. A cast iron block has 0 nickel content at all. The only good 010 casting blocks are the 73 and older heavy casting blocks that have the 2482 nodular main caps

[@cammontreuil7509]

Bubba ever had a cam go flat ?

[@cammontreuil7509]

@@brandonbell3089 Lots of old wives tale around. Bet it was a Corvette block too.

[@BubbaAyers1969]

Yes cam I have, I’ll never build a flat tappet cam engine again, the roller is much better 😀

[@allan7934]

fantastic video. Thank you!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@MRGreen79]

Thank you for the Video. I have a Flat Tappet Ford and I am debating between buying a Retrofit roller kit vs. buying a used Short block!

[@PetesGarage]

Retro fit kit and build it yourslef

[@MRGreen79]

I rebuilt the OE motor with bearings and hone job, andnew Molly rings. But I have 2 cylinders that didnt seat good. After only 15k miles I have blow bye. But I want a roller motor. Found short block roller mustang 302 yesterday for 100 bucks.

[@colinlook5237]

Great video!!!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@vladvulcan]

Thanks a lot, I couldn't find what a roller lifter was and what were the differences, now I know!

[@PetesGarage]

Glad I could help!

[@steven4385]

Very helpful Pete!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Hunter

[@MagnusDominus1]

I like those aluminum heads. I was reading an article that said that the new modern heads are better than the coveted double hump fuelie heads.

[@PetesGarage]

Quite possible

[@hotrodrebel855]

They flow better but will they still be around and in use 50 years later.... I don't think so!

[@mikeallen3646]

very very good info and teaching, keep'em coming please. A BIG thanks bud!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Mike....will do!

[@russellgreig4765]

Good video thanks

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@calais321]

this is excellent, great channel.... subbed

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Simon and welcome

[@mustang70juan]

I like your garage awesome video.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much my friend

[@guidosarducci3047]

Hey Pete...love your channel and your tutorials. I'm new to Chryslers. My last Chrysler motor build was a huge success. And in no small part thanks to u, but I wanted a little more punch so I have decided to increase my cam lift a little bit (going from .488 to .545 lift) and in the process, I'm also upgrading to a roller cam and heads because the break-in on a flat tappet cam is always so stressful for me. Now I'm reading a lot of stuff about a roller cam requiring the same break-in procedure at 1800 -2000 rpm for 20-30 minutes or the cam will go flat just like a normal flat tappet cam. l think I saw u using a break -in oil, on another build w/ roller cam ( BB chevy maybe?) but does that mean I should be using a break-in oil with my Chrysler motor (like this one) and equally important, does it need to be broke in just like a flat tappet cam? 440 source says no need to worry of cam failure if using a roller cam. But I trust you and would like clarification on this subject. Thanks man.

[@PetesGarage]

A roller really does not need a break in, but I use the break in oil on every first run

[@guidosarducci3047]

Thanks Pete...Appreciate it very much. You're the best!

[@454powderburn]

hey, was just wondering, I have a set of crane roller tip rockers, not cheap, however, I smoked my cam my have metal in the bearings of the rollers , can I clean them with a hydrosonic cleaner or should I start over with new?

[@PetesGarage]

Sure, take them apart and clean them up. I do it all the time.

[@bakesee]

Thanks Pete! I really appreciate your explanation on how hydraulic lifters function. No kidding, this has been something I’ve wondered about for decades! Please help me clarify two details: 1. When the cam first pushes the lifter, is it hydro-locked, or does the push rod cap sink into the lifter, pumping oil up the push rod? 2. Is the push rod cap physically bottomed-out inside the lifter to cause the push rod to rise, or is the lifter hydraulically locked which results in moving the push rod? Thanks again! This is awesome.

[@PetesGarage]

It is locked at the bottom and pressurizes on the way back down. I'll try to illustrate that somehow. The pushrod just sits in the the lifter and once the lifter gets pumped up it is solid, taking up the valve lash.

[@westonlee9778]

You may have already covered this but do I have to change the length of my pushrods with this type of lifter? Also do I have to change the rockers as well? Thank you very much for your video really good watch

[@PetesGarage]

You may have to change the pushrod, but not the rockers

[@RyanSmith-zq2mn]

Pete, Quick question. What is the best way to estimate engine HP in the design phase? I have seen many engines built and helped during different areas of the build as my friend does dirt track racing, but this will be my first build and want it to go off without a hitch as it is going in a street car and want to make sure things are done right. Any insight and help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Also thanks for all the videos they are a great help.

[@PetesGarage]

A basic rule of thumb is that you should be able to get 1 HP per cubic inch just by cleaning it up and putting in some mild performance parts. Once you start to get over 500 HP it takes a bit of experience to pick parts.

[@RyanSmith-zq2mn]

@@PetesGarage thank you for the quick reply!

[@gst69man]

another great vid. tks Pete

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@CarlosHernandez-lb5fu]

If I disassemble a lifters, will it fix when they get hard to push?

[@PetesGarage]

Maybe

[@jorgezuni2818]

How about if .. I were to upgrade to roller lifter . would I have to shorten the push rod size ?

[@PetesGarage]

Yes

[@flinch622]

And now, I love solid lifters even more...

[@PetesGarage]

An why is that?

[@flinch622]

@@PetesGarage Two reasons. More parts is more opportunity for problems and hydraulics can be finnicky if spring pressure fades [lifter or valve] putting preload outside a certain window - nothing is maintenance free. Solids allow a bit of tunability to optimize vacuum or top end performance. Also... I'd rather check valve lash than pull the manifold to maintain valvetrain.

[@mmacri]

What's the difference between a roller block and a non-roller block? I have a 351w C30E-6015-B-6 block number. I want to put a new cam in with roller rockers and lifters. Is there a retrofit type of set up to allow me to use my block?

[@PetesGarage]

Roller blocks are blocks that had factory roller cams. They can use factory lifters and hardware. Non roller blocks can still use roller cams but you either need to get a retrofit kit or buy aftermarket roller lifters

[@joecox1679]

Hey Pete, I have a 302 that is a roller block but don't have the spider bar or dog bones. With the retro fit lifters do I need to add the spider bar and dog bones or is they already setup. Will I have to change push rods?

[@PetesGarage]

You only need one, either a dog bone or a spider, only if you have roller lifters. If you change from roller to solid, or solid to roller, you'll need new push rods

[@jamesb7498]

Good educational video that's what I'm seeing so far on KZbin I think a couple of my lifters have broken Springs in them

[@PetesGarage]

It would be good to know why the broke

[@jamesb7498]

@@PetesGarage I got the motor for cheap 5 3 lm7 120km installing it in my OBS 96 1500 and I'm guessing I got it for cheap cuz the last guy ran it low on oil so I'm replacing a couple of pushrods lifters and Rockers and hoping for the best

[@Mhogies910]

Pete where can I get a rebuild kit for my 1987 Chevy stock hydraulic roller??? Some of my lifters don’t have any spring to them.

[@PetesGarage]

You need the part number for the lifters, may be cheaper to buy a new set

[@johnsims6784]

I'm building a 70 ls7 454 and I'm putting a roller camshaft in can I just order a set of roller push rods or do I have to measure them all

[@PetesGarage]

You should measure because they do come in different lengths

[@hunterjh13]

I have 327 motor . Can I change flat hydraulic lifter to roller hydraulic lifter and roller cam . Thank you

[@PetesGarage]

Sure

[@ksacky]

Do you have to break in hydralic roller lifters and cams like you do flat tappet cams?

[@PetesGarage]

No you do not

[@jackiebabb3300]

What holds the cam shelf in the block

[@PetesGarage]

A 44o does not need one, the cam is forced towards the back of the block

[@Floridamuscle]

Great video

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks!

[@jbmwoodworks4498]

Hi Pete, great video as always. Thanks for the lesson on hydraulic lifters. Never realized how complex they are. Did you announce the winner of the bottle opener? Sitting here with a cold one waiting for the news and very thirsty.

[@PetesGarage]

I will announce today

[@shanecrofts2629]

Cheers Dave

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Dave

[@randy1ization]

does it matter which way the tiny oil bleed hole in the roller lifter faces?

[@PetesGarage]

It will only go one way with the link bar

[@randy1ization]

@@PetesGarage I dont have the link bar, just the dog bones.

[@tomashton1781]

Hey I enjoy your reply,s Heres a good one When I was a teenager I had push rod Fiats, and twin cam engines,, this will piss every one off but I like to set my valve lash when the motor is hot, yeah i know its not fun. , I set each cylinder at TDC to set the valve lash, im talking solids plus I rock the crank back and forth to check for timing chain slack wear, it may take longer, but it works for me

[@PetesGarage]

Interesting, whatever works

[@obsessedwithcars219]

can you make a video on whats happens when lifters "tick"?

[@PetesGarage]

Good idea

[@socalltd]

how much shorter are the pushrods when going to the taller rollers . .

[@PetesGarage]

It really depends on the engine, rockers and lifters

[@SOLDOZER]

How much chatter does the link bar make? Loud?

[@PetesGarage]

None

[@GarageRatt]

Hi I have a 73 Nova with a 350. I want to go roller tired of wiping out flat tapped. I'm confused I keep seeing video's of a spider being installed to convert to roller cam?

[@PetesGarage]

The spider prevents the lifters from rotating

[@davecarey5655]

Will Acetone work to clean those before dipping in oil?

[@PetesGarage]

Yes, absolutely

[@teaaustin1424]

So say I’m building a mid 70’s 454 can I run roller lifters on it even though it doesn’t have the spider thing?

[@PetesGarage]

Sure, as long as the lifters have a tie bar or a dog bone to hold them in place

[@Ricardo_Wade]

Hey pete, when doing a flat tappet to roller, do you need to change up the push rods? Not sure if the lifter changes heights, I'm looking to convert my 67 289 flat tapet to roller

[@PetesGarage]

You probably will

[@SOLDOZER]

Yes, you will.

[@Ricardo_Wade]

@Mr Yuk I know that know, I'm currently waiting on new arp studs to secure my heads

[@mandlal2393]

hi Sir, just wants to asks does the wholes on the lifter need to be straight to each other or it doesn't matter

[@PetesGarage]

It does not matter

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

its does nots matters

[@chago102]

My question is do you pump them before install lifter or just soak them in the oil

[@PetesGarage]

I just coat them. They get pumped up when you pre-lube with the pump

[@joelarrona]

Hi Pete. I recently had my 402 Chevy engine rebuilt, I hope my mechanic performed the cam break in properly. I'm at the point where I need to change its oil for the first time since driving it about 700 miles. Which type of oil do you recommend for a flat tappet cam?

[@PetesGarage]

I always use Penn Grade oil with zinc. It's a racing oil that is a bit more expensive, but worth it. The zinc acts as a lubricant for flat tappet cams

[@5400bowen]

Thanx again, Pete. I asked about new lifters in comments on another video, and this video clearly answers my question. Cleaning in mineral spirits should release new lifters so I can verify free piston/plunger movement. But it is funny, I find zero specs on acceptable wear limits on piston side clearance and spring pressure in the hydraulic roller lifters. Not even a roller wear limit for it’s 2 dimensions of movement or roller circumference. Why doesn’t anyone talk about specific wear limits or spring pressure on hydraulic roller lifters?

[@PetesGarage]

I would think because lifters are cheap enough to replace when you're rebuilding the engine. I've only reused solid lifters if the cam side is still in good shape. Great questions....

[@rayfalcon777]

@PetesGarage Can you do one on the hydraulic roller lifter vs flat tappet vs comp lifters for a 1998 dodge ram 1500 with the 5.2 magnum engine in it? Including a detailed view and explanation of how they’re held in and what each piece’s purpose is? It’s very confusing to me my first time even seeing this style on these modern vehicles I’m used to the og ones in the 50’s-70’s models this video helped me understand the concept of hydraulic vs flat but mine was a Laraine’s custom fleet vehicle every part was customized I can send pictures or a short video of my setup if that’s helpful?

[@PetesGarage]

Email or text me pictures

[@rayfalcon777]

I sent them to your facebook messenger didn’t want to ask for your email or text info on here bots and people could spam you like crazy

[@PetesGarage]

My number is at the end of all my videos

[@theblackboxpodcastshow1791]

So I have a L99 engine in my 2014 Camaro SS and I’ve heard they have lifter issues, can you explain to me why and if so , should I go with a better aftermarket set and or remove the Active Fuel Management system ? Thanks 🙏

[@PetesGarage]

If there is nothing wrong with it, leave it alone

[@theblackboxpodcastshow1791]

@@PetesGarage ok but can you tell me what kind of lifters my L99 has ? Solid or lifters with a wheel , just curious and thanks for you advice, I’ve been told on the Camaro forums to use a tune to deactivate the active fuel management system and I will do that 😀😀🥳

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Searching around the YT for cam intel, gathering data. After the "just rebuilt" engine in my 62 C10 project truck rounded a cam lobe, seeing all the trouble on the internet, I'm not so sure I should have ordered a Comp 274H cam. Probably going to spend the money for a roller retro, but man they are expensive. In the 5 years since this video was made the kit is now $1100-$1500 now depending on if it includes pushrods and chain components. . After that it's Comp, Lunati, Howards or another brand I haven't thought of?

[@PetesGarage]

I've used Comp a lot without issues. Lunati might be the next best bet

[@mafosa8519]

pete, did you find those lifters a little chatty? great share by the way! larry

[@PetesGarage]

I've never had a problem with them

[@averysilliman6657]

I'm getting ready to convert my 88 f150 302 from flat to roller it's all stock beside headers and intakes what push rods would I need?

[@PetesGarage]

You'll have to measure

[@sam4malaysia]

Thanks bro.

[@PetesGarage]

You got it Sam

[@nolbertoruiz6680]

1989 ford mustang 5.o roller short block xxx e303 heads gt 40 can you put these together

[@PetesGarage]

Sure

[@Crooked_Clown]

And What benefit does the Flat Tappet Lifter has?

[@PetesGarage]

They are more available and they are cheaper

[@mojocp581]

Can you confirm the brand of retro lifters used in this video? (Stamped "c") - Thanks!

[@PetesGarage]

Let me check

[@tobiaswillson5900]

nice vid , don't forget oil in the lifter under pressure inside the lifter takes up the valve train lash under hydraulic lock an bleed down.

[@PetesGarage]

Absolutely, thanks for the comment

[@bakesee]

Hey wait....so are you saying that the check valve and bleed down are the secret sauce that makes hydraulic lifters self-adjusting??? That’s one of the magical mysteries I’ve been trying to get my mind around for a long, long time. I think I finally got it.

[@PetesGarage]

Yes, the check makes it solid on the way up and on the way down the pushrod compresses the spring and oil is pumped up. The check on the bottom does the adjusting.

[@tobiaswillson5900]

yes when the oil in a lifter has no where to go it act as though it is solid until it bleeds out

[@MajorHoss]

Honestly if your that far in might as well go with roller lifters because flat tap wear out fast with hp sounds awesome but who wants to tear it all down to replace

[@PetesGarage]

Good point

[@Boteris]

Question, if my engine sat one year. Lifters are soft. They could leak during time?

[@PetesGarage]

Yes they can

[@maximusvonce1381]

I run a Comp Cams street solid roller Extreme Energy Xr292R in my 438 Windsor 68 Mustang. I use all the good parts including Isky Bushed Lifters. Cam is 621 627 lift 254, 258@50 duration. Lash was checked at 500 miles and spot on. Lash was checked again 2 years later after 1800 miles and 2 exhaust valve lifters off .002-.003. Rest were off like .001. Car sees consistent 7200 rpm blasts and full throttle runs on street. Car is driven hard. I have no idea why lash backed off .002-.003 on 2 lifters but it did. Isky bushed are supposed to be the best. Can't see how you went 3k miles and lash never moved. But maybe you have smaller cam than me, or you don't run car to 7200rpm. Solid roller lash should be checked at least every 2 years. I am guessing maybe those 2 isky bushed lifters may be wearing or something else wearing. But to go 3k miles in a 950hp solid roller car and no lash change is hard to fathom. Unless you drive real mellow all the time. But who drives a solid roller car mellow?. Also. Comp cams needle bearing lifters are crap and ruined a motor i had before. That's why i went isky bushed. Maybe motor was still breaking in and that's why some lifters moved. But i have heard isky bushed are the best

[@terrorofdemons1168]

Do you run a stock non roller block?

[@maximusvonce1381]

@@terrorofdemons1168 Ford Racing SVO splayed, siamese bore, 4 bolt mains all 5 caps.

[@waynew2831]

I have watched several videos on dis assembling a lifter. Everyone does it pretty much the same way, and it works very effectively for everyone. EXCEPT ME ! The piston inside my lifters, will NOT come out. In have tried all the tricks I have seen, like pushing the check ball down to relieve suction. I even tried heating the lifter up a bit, based on the simple premise that air expands when heated. That didn't work either. I thought maybe I just had a stubborn lifter. I tried 3 more. Same thing. I am at a loss. Do I simply need new lifters? Thank You

[@PetesGarage]

Try high air pressure in the side oil hole

[@waynew2831]

@@PetesGarage Thanks, I'll do that, but I already bought new lifters.

[@integracpr]

Hi im rebuilding my enging and installing a bigger cam if i use roller lifters do i still need to run my engine for 30 minutes at 2000 rpm or i dont need to do it?

[@PetesGarage]

No you do not

[@franciscotrujillo4961]

Hello friend, I have a question related to this, if I remove all the lifters and activate the oil pump, should the same amount come out of all the ducts that feed the lifters? I am telling you this because in my engine, with the engine running and the rocker arm covers removed, not all of them release the same amount of oil on the rocker arms and if there is one that shoots jets that make the pressure clockwise The oil oscillates, is it possible that this lifter is causing so much noise in the engine, knock-knock type, and that the oil does not reach the other lifters properly, why does the pressure go away from that one? Greetings I hope you can help me

[@PetesGarage]

If you run the pump without the lifters you will only get oil out of a couple lifter bores. Without the lifters in, there is no way for pressure to build up. If you are using the old lifter they could be clogged, collapsed or have bad check valves.

[@harveynewman4333]

whats the expected life of retro roller lifters in a SBC for daily driver?

[@PetesGarage]

I would expect years

[@harveynewman4333]

@@PetesGarage the reason i ask is because i want to build a 400SBC to install in my gmc,savana van to use as a tow vehicle for my travel trailer. i dont want to install them and have to replace them in 20 or 30,000 miles. worried about the tie-bar breaking.

[@PetesGarage]

Nothing to worry about

[@javiercadena4207]

Awesome video and explanation Pete! Just two quick questions: 1. What happens if the plunger on the lifter has no movement at all. That is, it doesn't feel "springy", it only feels hard? 2. When putting them in, what if it takes good force to get them in, and they feel rough going up and down?

[@PetesGarage]

1) They are either frozen or locked hydraulically 2) They are the wrong size. Get the right size or hone out the bores

[@javiercadena4207]

@@PetesGarageAwesome! Thanks for the reply Pete.

[@kamahoo451]

So, just dipping the lifters is sufficient? You don't have to "prime" them?

[@PetesGarage]

No, They fill up as you prime to oil pump and turn it over

[@lwjw3184]

How noisy are those retrofit roller you installed in that engine ? I've tried numerous times to quiet mine down some. I've built 10-15 of these small block 350's. Some with stock roller setup, and some really wild big lift Camshafts. I just finished a 406 stroker using these retrofit hydraulic roller lifters with a mutha thumper camshaft. First adjustments were 0-lash then 1/2 turn more. These things sounded like they were hitting the inside of the intake lol. And the oil pressure is at 80psi and 55-60 when up to temperature. So I readjusted them using 3/4 turn after 0- lash. A little quieter but still loud. Final adjustment was 1 full turn after 0- lash and they are all still tapping pretty loud. I am not going any further than that with the adjustment. I don't like running them tight like that. The engine runs good but I am scared there's something is not right. And I don't want to keep running it and smash all these expensive things to bits. Is it just the way these lifters are ? or is there something I'm missing ?

[@PetesGarage]

Did you measure the pushrod length to make sure they right? Too long or short will cause noise.

[@markdillard4428]

Are the roller lifters also better for your high lift cams. They seem like they would be.

[@PetesGarage]

They are better for high lift, that is why you get a little more HP out of them.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

the ramp and lobe shape for a roller cam is specifically designed for roller lifters.compare a regular flat tappet hydraulic cam lobe to a roller cam lobe and its difference is immediately apparent,roller lifters are for roller cams and hydraulic lifters are for flat tappet,hydraulic cams

[@handyrandy5455]

Curious, can hydraulic lifters be used on a solid roller cam

[@PetesGarage]

As long as the hydraulic are rollers

[@handyrandy5455]

@@PetesGarage would it change the cam spec's or stay the same

[@PetesGarage]

The cam specs stay the same but the pushrod length may change

[@SierraYankee7]

A very informative video. I'm looking into converting a 400 to hydraulic roller, and wasn't sure if you had the link bar that you still need the spider or dogbone. Just the durability,the more choices for oil, and lack of maintenance for a roller setup makes it worth it to me. Then on top of that the possibility of more aggressive cams. I am wondering though, would there be anymore benefit of running zddp in the oil still with hydraulic roller tappets and hydraulic roller rocker arms?

[@PetesGarage]

With a roller you don't need special oil, but it doesn't hurt

[@Donny.C.wlWilliams]

THX

[@iastguy]

Thanks Pete. Great Video. I never knew a hydraulic lifter has so many parts.

[@PetesGarage]

There are, but they are simple devices.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

Fascinating how the hydraulic lifter has that little check valve so it pumps up the oil ! thanks

[@PetesGarage]

Great point!

[@dickeymoore4264]

What name brand of roller lifters are you using they look taller than comp cams

[@PetesGarage]

Those are Elgin

[@dickeymoore4264]

@@PetesGarage do you have a part number and how have they performed

[@PetesGarage]

@@dickeymoore4264 No problems HL-4001S

[@dickeymoore4264]

@@PetesGarage okay Thanks

[@KevinRoadrageGarage]

I was waiting to see what holds them in

[@PetesGarage]

It's worth the wait

[@kevinpeterson4098]

Quick question Pete, I have a nice hydraulic cam in my sbc. I wasn't going to use because i mixed up the lifter sequence when I disassembled it. Anyway I would like to know if I can just buy and use some roller lifters on the hydraulic cam? Or would the profile be to sharp? Thanks for any help!

[@PetesGarage]

No, the profile is different. You need to have a roller cam with roller lifters

[@trishapinczes7818]

the flat tappet cam on a sbc has no retainer plate to keep the cam from walking into the timing cover. it uses a slight taper on every lobe that pushes the cam into the back of the block as it rotates. that taper also rotates the lifter in its bore. a roller cam uses a flat surface on evevery lobe so the roller tip sits flat and doesn't try to spin in the bore thats why when you do a roller cam you need a cam button that sits on the timing end of the cam to keep the cam from walking out. the cam button rides on the timing cover keeping the cam from walking out so you also need a stiffer timing cover and proper clearance has to be set on the cam button. now that said if you put roller lifters with a flat tappet cam the taper of the lobes will destroy the lifters and alot of the power gained from a roller cam is from the profile of the cam so running the flat tappet cam will give you none of that power gain. now on some other engines it can be done like on my 2.3l sohc ford ranger engine newer roller followers can be used on an old tappet style cam because the lobes have a flat surface to roll across and the cam on that engine has a plate that bolts to the head with 2 wear surfaces that keep the cam from walking in either direction. but there is very little power gain because it's still using the tappet profile cam.

[@PetesGarage]

@@trishapinczes7818 Excellent answer! Thanks for the comment

[@michaelbarnhill2685]

So do you not prime new lifters.prior to install? I've looked all over and couldn't find a good answer. Some say just coat in oil, and drop in. Others say to use a vice to compress new lifters, drain them, then prime them by hand...then install. I just replaced lifters in my 5.4 2v ford.... Majority of rattle is gone...still have 1 slight rattle, And have hazing at idle. Nothing changed other than new lifter installs. No haze prior to replacing lifters.

[@PetesGarage]

I do not.After installing I primes the whole system by turning it over and filling up the lifters.

[@stevenshepherd3875]

Did you forget to mention that 15 of 16 flat tappet lifters prefer zinc infused motor oil.? And that O2 sensors do not like zinc?

[@PetesGarage]

I did not forget, it is really difficult to put every little piece of info in every video. Thanks for the comment.

[@427HISS]

Hey bud, I'm replacing the wussy solid flat tappet cam in my 428FE that I bought from Jim Dove. It was for his truck, so no need for a big cam. He's retired now. I'm going back and forth on either a mechanical roller or hrdro roller., I'm not racing anymore, so it'll be for street fun (I'm on the engine all the time) and a few racing events a year, If you recall I built a 427 S/C Cobra years ago. In your latest video here you've gone with a hydro. Did you just want a lower RPM daily driver for the Stang ? For my purpose, I won't be going over 6,000 RPM, but I'm a little concerned about oil bubbles in the lifter at higher RPM, would you ? I don't mind lashing valves on a solid roller, I did check them on my other engines with a solid flat tappet. And now with the solid roller wheel that are replacing the tiny bearings, I'm not worried. People think that you have to last the valves all the time, but you don't if you set up the valvetrain properly. So what cam type would you suggest ?

[@PetesGarage]

I use hydraulic to keep it maintenance free. I wouldn't worry about bubbles. A roller cam does reduce friction

[@427HISS]

@@PetesGarage ok, thanks Pete. The build is looking great.

[@sambo92]

How do you know if a lifter is of good quality?

[@PetesGarage]

Well, price is an indicator, cheap is cheap. Also, read some reviews, see what actual users are saying.

[@genestanco6558]

How about comparing to a solid roller lifter?

[@PetesGarage]

Great idea

[@paulricelli5520]

🔥🔥🔥A hundred years ago, (well, maybe 50 or so,) when we used to build engines, we would drown the hydraulic lifters in oil overnight to fill them just before installing the pushrods and rockers to get a more accurate initial adjustment. Do you think that's something we should do with hydraulic roller lifters? BTW, Great video 👍👍👍

[@PetesGarage]

Sure, you can still do it, certainly won't hurt. I pump them up with the pump to make sure oil is circulating properly

[@marlinguyaustin]

@@PetesGarage Interesting, especially since Comp's instruction sheet says NOT to pump up their hydraulic lifters, but to simply clean and oil them.

[@dannymccarty344]

@@marlinguyaustin my Morels said not to soak them in oil too. I think it's an old school habit that doesn't really do anything positive.

[@marlinguyaustin]

@@dannymccarty344 Dropping them in oil just to coat them prior too installation is what Howards Cams recommended to me for my roller lifters.

[@dntlss]

@@dannymccarty344 Probably from the same battery on the ground people and how a crankshaft should never be left on its side,on the latter one i actually read a pretty comprehensive thing about it a few years ago proving that wasn't true however those habits die hard and it doesn't hurt anyone standing it,when i see a crank sitting on its side it takes me about 3 seconds to right it back up,lol

[@AustrianAnarchy]

Which style is more durable, i.e., does one have a longer expected service life than the other?

[@PetesGarage]

For a mild street application the roller lifter will last longer. But, I've seen solid hydraulics last 30 years.

[@AustrianAnarchy]

That is my application. Thank you!