another cam / lifter question

[Fordestes]

I just bought a 59a and started tearing it down, I noticed it has radiused lifters in it , in case I need to replace one, are the radius lifters commercially available or will I have to do my own? The cam looks good so far, It looks like a fast action cam , the block has some rust damage,I can sleeve and relieve the block and hopefully take care of the rust pits, does anyone make a head gasket with a large diameter fire ring that srouds the valve area, the rust barely got into the sealing area near the exhaust valve, I am trying to avoid having it welded, it is just enough to cause a leak, also if the block is sleeved
will it have a pre ignition ( hot spot) problem because of the relief cut into the top of the sleeve?
Many thanks,
Fordestes

 

[Mike51Merc]

As far as i know, all lifters are radiused.

 

[38 coupe]

Do your lifters have a slot in them that keys into the block so they can't rotate? If so you may have am Isky 404 cam. This article has some nice lifter pictures in it:
http://www.midstateantiquestockcarclub.com/flat_heads4.html

 

[Fordestes]

I just identified the cam, its a 400JR., and yes almost all lifters are radiused , but a blind person as I can see what looks to be about a 32nd inch radiused in the side area to keep the follower from eating the cam due to the sharp edge of the follower, as the cam has a very high lift rate, it is not the usual lifter I have baught off the shelf from the parts house or ford tractor supply.
so far I have gotten all them out without any damage except for one,
I hope I dont have to torch the valve out, I want to keep the springs, the springs all have tested 62to67 pounds at 2 inch compressed, I have since the last post managed to hear from a cam grinder he says he can grind another to the exact dimension if necessary, I was concerned about changing the timing if the replacement lifter isn't the same.

 

[Ol' Ron]

The 400jr uses a stock style lifter, either Ford or an aftermarket adjustable. It's a good practice to remove the sharp edge of the lifter before installing. The US made lifters have a slight 90" radius.

 

[chuck stevens]

Hey Ron, do you put that radius back in when restoring the lifter surface? I have it as being .001 to .0025 tapper from the center to the outside. Will this be ok with a new cam? Thanks Chuck

 

[Ol' Ron]

I send my lifters to JWL, he restores them to original.

 

[Ronnie]

The lifter radius is 96" i believe not a taper.

Ronnie

 

[blown49]

i believe 96" at the cam end and 36" at the adjuster end.

Jim

 

[Ol' Ron]

Boy, youse guys have a good memory, I knew it was sumpin like that.