The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop GMC 270 Early Style Lifters

Does anyone know of a source for early 1940's "bucket" style lifters for the 270?
I'm trying to put together two engines and about half of my lifters are flaked out on the face.

Is it practical to convert to the later "milk can" style lifters? Would it require more than just changing the lifters and pushrods?
(My original pushrods are about 13" long)

Thanks

The part number is 2071209. Have you tried Green Barn Parts Ltd, jeep-dodge-gmc and van buuren jeeps.

Thanks for the Green Barn link

In the mean time I found this listing: https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/7514/Chevrolet_Chevrolet_Lifter_Solid.html3
Its for a '29-'39 Chevy p/n 838774 would that be the same as GM 2071209?

Lifters with that much wear mean that the cam will also be worn badly. You'll probly need to get it reground, or at least find one in better condition. I'd choose to regrind. Try Schneider Cams in San Diego Ca.
Jerry'

I've measured up the cam and it's pretty good.

Did you do a check with a degree wheel and a dial indicator? In 65+ years of building racing engines, that's the only way I can be sure about a cam's condition- - - -including brand new ones.
Jerry

I just just measured the overall height of the lobes and that doesn't show it to be worn undersize. I'm sure there are better ways to check it.

The lifters still have good crown....some are just flaked in spots.

In that case, I'd just get the lifters reground- - - -several companies offer that service. I have my own jig for my lathe to put a 60" or 72" radius on the bottom of most stovebolt lifters instead of trying to locate scarce and/or expensive replacements.
Jerry

I wasn't sure if they might have a thin case hardening that I would lose if I reground them.
This 270 is in a '42 GMC 2-1/2 ton military truck I'm restoring. I have two engines I'm working on overhauling. Original parts are getting a little scarce, especially o/s pistons & rings. I know EGGE has them but they are pricey.

I checked the part books from 1940-1955 they all list 2071209 for the 270 prior to 771209. But the GMC 52 Parts Number Replacements & Supersessions book list the 838774 as the old number and to use 2071209. They used the same push rod 838409. Maybe you can call them and get some measurements.

Interesting....since it subs. to the 2071209 number I'm betting they're functionally the same. If they have a slightly different spec, I would guess the new production 838774's are actually updated to the new spec.

I did read a note in my service bulletins book for the military trucks regarding early style lifters having a small oil hole in the cam bearing face. Later versions eliminated the oil hole and it recommended either replacing the lifters or soldering up the holes during overhaul.

Hey G508,

WRT resurfacing, when I rebuilt my last 270, I sent both my camshaft and lifters to these guys:

https://www.oregoncamshaft.com/

At the time, I remember discussing the proper radius with them, and they seemed to be very knowledgeable wrt the proper dimensions and finish.

That was about 5 years and 2K - 3K miles ago. Engine still seems to be running OK with no issues.

At the time, I too was wondering about the hardness characteristics of the lifters. I was specifically concerned about whether or not there was some surface hardening on the lifter face, which might be compromised if they were ground.

The research I did at the time, indicated that they were made of "chilled iron". Research on that seemed to indicate that this process resulted in a fairly homogeneous part, indicating a consistent hardness throughout. Take that for what it's worth. That call is based on a couple of metallurgy classes taken over 40 years ago - so I'll certainly yield to anyone with more experience on that subject.

BTW, do you know what camshaft you have ? Is it the steel or cast iron one ?

As for new lifters, these guys have them. I didn't see a GM PN, but they do list the GMC series of inline 6s, including the 270, under the list of applications.

https://www.kanter.com/products/engine-valve-lifter-vl995

I actually purchased a couple of these several weeks ago to evaluate for my current 270 project. They look OK, but I haven't had a chance yet to check them dimensionally.

I was also going to talk to the metalurgy prof. at the community college where I teach part time. Possibly check the hardness on these relative to one of the originals.

Best Regards...