Yes, they can and will fail. The lifespan of rubber is short, and depends on the formulation and use, and oil will shorten that time. Problem is replacing it. I have found two outits that will rebuild the damper, and they're far from cheap. Most of us continue running the original. My friend is using a fluid filled damper for a small block on his 261, he dad to modify the damper come up with a pulley setup.


Fred
52 3600
69 C-10