valve lifter design

[Paul J.]

My new hyd. lifters have a groove around the lifter at the bottom of the lifter about 1/4" up from bottom. What is this for?
One of the lifters has almost no groove and some have only a partial grove. Any problem?
Also a cam grinder told me that it was ok to run old lifters on a new cam and he did it in his racing days. When I questioned him about the standard warning against the practice he said "we want to sell lifters."
What do you say?

[Dennis C.]

I would never consider using a...

...used set of lifters on a new cam. You would be trying to save a penny at the chance of losing a whole lot more. I usually invest about $4K in a complete blue print rebuild - I try not to chance fate anywhere in the project.

[Clem Z.]

Re: valve lifter design

if the base of the lifter is convex,still has the curve to it, you can use them on a different cam. we always used the same set of lifters on different cams for dyno tests as long as th base was convex

[Dennis C.]

Wonder how many NASCAR boys recycle lifters? *NM*

[Dave Suesz]

Re: valve lifter design

It's theoretically OK to do it. Of course, it was theoretically possible for Evel Kinevel to get across the canyon, too, but I wouldn't do it.

Why risk a camshaft and a couple days work for a few bucks?

[Clem Z.]

Re: valve lifter design

even the GM power manual says you can use them over a gain. there is less chance of a cam lobe problem with used lifters because the base is already "run in". a lot if problems come from too "agressive finish" on the new lifters base. new lifters should have the base polished on 400/600 grit emery paper using oil as a lube

[Paul J.]

valve lifter design

Any thoughts on what the groove is around the lifter? Is it for oil? Is it bad if it is not all the way around or very shallow? They are new lifters.

[Clem Z.]

Re: valve lifter design

that is the parting line where the bottom and the barrel of the lifter fit together. there should be a recess about 1/4"-3/8" wide around the middle of the lifter for oil to pass by.

[Paul J.]

Re: valve lifter design

Thank you Clem and everybody else. I will install the lifters as it sounds like the groove is not necessary for oiling.
Paul