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I have a 1951 gmc 228 engine. When I was setting the lash I found the top of the milk can type lifter separated from the bottom. It didn’t do any damage but my question is can I use a used one I have laying around or do I need a new one and do I need to replace thrush rod also? If so what brand should I use? Thanks

The short answer is NO!!!!!

Unless the lifter has been resurfaced to the correct radius, it will eat the cam lobe in a matter of just a few miles. Those GMC cams are as scarce as a chicken with lips, or an honest politician.

I'm in the process of building a fixture for my lathe that will allow me to resurface the bottom of used lifters, but it's not complete at this time.
Jerry

Stovebolt 51 If you can repair your milk can lifter with a top from another one you might save it that way. Once it's back in there if it rotates while running may go ahead a long time. If it's slightly shorter you can adjust some for that.

Thanks I will talk to a machine shop about doing that. How about the push rod?

Maybe I’m missing something Is the top of the lifter supposed to come off?

Nope- - - -it's probably broken. The tulip-shaped top of the lifter where the pushrod fits can break off. Good luck with finding a machinist who has any kind of clue about reconditioning lifters- - - - -there's probably less than a dozen shops nationwide who still perform that procedure. Inspect the pushrod to see if it's still straight, and if there's uneven wear on either end. The cup-shaped top is the most likely part of the pushrod to be damaged by wear on the ball at the end of the rocker arm adjusting screw.
Jerry

Stovebolt51 The top of the lifter should be permanently pressed in ,changing the pushrod should be no problem at all. Use an accurate straight edge to see if your lifter has a crown on the bottom,see if the cam lobe looks good. Then once it's back in there should rotate like the others.

Thank you for the reply’s

New lifters are available for single purchase- - - - -just do a 20 minute fast idle run-in with ZDDP in the oil like you were breaking in a new camshaft.

www.ebay.com/itm/185771692929? [ebay.com]

Jerry

Thanks Jerry I will do that 🍻

Beware gmc used steel camshafts and cast iron camshafts! They do not I repeat they do not use the same lifters. Older 228 had chilled iron lifter on steel camshafts. You need to find out which camshaft you have ????