The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Lifter wobble in the block on installing? sum thin aint right

Hi, I have a 59 235 block, installed a sealed power hydraulic, cam CS-323, and Lifters HT-817. Upon installing I notice the lifters don't fit as good in the bores as I thought they are supposed to. I tried to post a video to show but the system only allows 5mb files. The lifters wobble around in the bores and this doesn't seem right. any help appreciated.

Craig - In doing a quick search on the web, my search results indicate you need HT-761 lifters (0.989 to 0.990 inches diameter) for a '59 235.

HT-817 specs indicate those are 0.842-inch diameter, which is the standard diameter for Chevy small block and later 230/250 inline 6's.

It's the right cam for 235/261 engines, but the wrong lifters.

First thing to decide is are the new lifters the right size. I don't have any 235 specs, but just for example the '59 GMC Maintenance Manual lists bore size of .9905 to .9915 inches and lifter diameter of .989 to .990 inches for new parts. That would give a new part clearance of .0005 to .0025 inches. Maximum wear clearance is listed as .004 inches.

You need to find the same specs for your Chevy.


EDIT:

Dan beat me to the draw.

Looks like Chevy and GMC 6 cylinder engines may have used the same lifters (or at least the same diameter - the GMC uses solid lifters) in '59.

There are two kinds of cams and lifters for stovebolt engines- - - -solid- - - -and WRONG! Good luck trying to keep those lifters pumped up and quiet- - - - -there's an astronomical failure rate on hydraulic lifters made for stovebolt engines in the past 30-something years.
Jerry

Thanks Dan, Now if I can just find a set

Gotcha, but I wanted to try it any way. Its a spare engine from left over parts. I have three with solids so I know what you mean.

Craig - Here are two hydraulic lifters being offered at Summit Racing. The first is from Kanter and second is a Melling sourced part.

Both indicate being available. Jim Carter offers ME991 235 Hydraulic Lifters at a price similar to the Melling's from Summit. Prices are what they are - ugh!

It's also possible to put thinwall sleeves in the lifter bores, and run the available (and affordable) Ford/AMC/MOPAR lifters. Modified pushrods are required, however.
Jerry

Thanks for the information and links. I'll probably go with the Kanter due to price. I can't believe what they want for these. I suppose they deliver from first national bank trust dept.

Hi Jerry, Nice to know there is an option as some day there won't be parts available. Some of the websites for parts are staring to list nothing older than about 1980.

I've got a 216 block modified that way- - - - -one that I was considering fitting with a roller cam, using lifters for a big block MOPAR V8. I just can't get any of the custom camshaft grinders to try to make a cam for me. I even offered to machine my own cam core for them to whittle on- - - - -"not interested"!
Jerry

Craig, do a lot of research before buying from Kanter. They have a really bad reputation for junk parts among the Cadillac community and specifically among those who actually drive their vehicles.

Lifters, rockers, springs are crap. My engine builder will NOT use Kanter's engine stuff at any cost.

Steering and suspension components are weak. Leaf and coil springs sag in a year or two. Anything they sell made of rubber will disintegrate while you watch.

I have seen restoration projects still in the garage with brand new rubber bushings, etc that have never been on the road but have fallen apart while the project is on stands.

thank you for the info. I don't need any more problems than i already have.

WHATS WITH THE HIGH DOLLAR PRICES? $47 bucks for one stinkin lifter

Good grief! That’s twice what the Buick straight eight hydraulic lifters go for. I always thought Chevrolet parts were cheap and plentiful. Let me look in my stash of stuff and see what I have. If I have any they will be from a ‘62 passenger vehicle. Same engine as the head that I have listed. And matching cam.

Great let me know if you find some

Craig and Rusty - Just a reminder to take further conversation on this topic that involves actual buying/selling to PMs as those conversations aren't allowed in the "Shop Area Forums".

Thanks.

PM sent. Thanks Gdad!

Gotcha, Thanks for the reminder

As an add on... I sent my lifters ('55 solid) to rocker arms unilimeted to be resurfaced. Quoted $6 per lifter. Will be a bit before they return so I'll let you know how things go when they return.

MOPAR lifters are .904" diameter, compared to .990" for stovebolt lifters. It's easy to make a reducer sleeve from 1" seamless steel tubing, swage it into place, and do a final diameter fit with a carbide button ("dingleberry") brake cylinder hone. A set of 16 solid lifters for a big block MOPAR engine costs about $75.00, and a very simple modification to the pushrods allows them to be used during an engine overhaul, along with a new camshaft.

www.ebay.com/itm/150812619057?

Jerry

Oh if I just had those skills 😁