'71 302 Hydraulic lifters

[George49Ford]

Can a hydraulic lifter lose oil and pretty much quit working? #1 intake push rod isn't operating through the full range. Could I have a worn lobe on the cam? If so, it happened pretty quickly. Any chance just a plugged oil passage to the lifter. How can I (easily) determine which before I go pulling the cam.


Thanks in advance for any input.

George M

 

[Ole Don]

What motor oil have you been using? If 10W30 with the little circle on the bottle, it may be time to tear the motor down. If its only one, and the stud has not pulled from the head, try using a thin washer under the nut to adjust the lash. You may get lucky.

 

[George49Ford]

10-30 mostly. Not sure about the little circle on the bottle (non-detergent oil?) Stud is still secure in the head, so I'll try the thin washer and hope I get lucky. Tnx, George M

 

[Ole Don]

The right thickness washer is a star washer beat flat with a BFH on the anvil part of the vice.

 

[George/Maine]

I just worked on a 302 it had a bent pushrod,easy to check.If thats not the problem most likely cam lobe.

 

[Ray With]

Why chance it? Remove cover and take rocker off and remove and inspect push rod length. If it checks out pull the intake a remove lifter. Check bottom of lifter to see if it concave-If so most likely you have a flat cam lobe-Not to common in ford motors if proper oil and oill changes made but you never know.