The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Solid or hydraulic lifters ?

My 49 half ton has a 235 from a '56 but dunno if from a car or truck. Is there a way to find out if it's solid lifter or hydraulic lifters... It's pretty quiet to be solid..

What's the serial number stamped on the pad next to the distributor?

I'll have to get back to you...but thanks for the reply..

Bill;

I've wondered the same thing. Can you provide a quick history on solid vs. hydraulic lifters? Which came first? When did they switch? Is one better than the other???

Larry,

This is what I read that started me thinking and wondering...

http://chev235guy.blogspot.com

At the bottom of this page is a rundown of mechanical and hydraulic lifters in 216/235/261 stovebolt engines.

Pre '68 Dave's blog on this topic.

All stovebolt truck engines used mechanical lifters. Mechanical lifers were a little more noisy than hydraulic lifters. Hydraulic lifters do not work well at sustained high RPMs, but were quieter for normal family driving.

Some people would say that hydraulic lifters are easier to adjust, and some people also say that hydraulic lifters stay properly-adjusted longer.

advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic vs mechanical lifters

solid/mechanical vs hydraulic

interesting discussion of hydraulic lifters in a valve-in-head engine (our stovebolt engines are overhead-valve engines - easier to adjust the mechanical valve lash)

tappets not the Tappet Brothers

I read that blog....that's what got me started asking questions... I dunno if my 235 came out of a truck or car though.. I'll have to look at that number beside the distributor... It's in the shop now getting pipes done..