The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Lifter problems

I have a 1951 235 with hydraulic lifter and #6 intake lifter is noisy. with the engine running and valve cover off I can push the rocker down with my hand and the ticking gets louder. Now is there any fix for that or do I just replace the lifters. engine casting #3692703 = 1951 235 passenger car with power glide

You can remove the lifter and take it apart and clean it.

There can be two things that cause a spongy lifter. Trapped air or a dirty check valve.
You may want to read my BLOG on this topic.

thanks

Would the check ball inside the lifter be the problem if its all pitted

Yes, that can prevent it from sealing against the seat.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it is NOT a good idea to install a new lifter on a used camshaft or vice versa.

It is always best to keep lifters matched to the lobe they are worn into.
Never use a used lifter on a lobe it is not removed from.
Although there is a small risk you can usually get away with using a new lifters on a used cam.

Where can I find a new check ball. Mine is all pitted

What size are they? Loose ball bearings are available.
You may even be able to cut apart an old bearing to get a ball out.

I found one ball bearing at Menards. Its a .250 ball bearing

I'd consider the low risk option of
installing a GM NOS set of lifters.
These are very hard to find in decent
condition.
Here's a set on ebay.
photo at photobucket

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv57/glp0329/spotting/GM5230650_zpsbdce634c.jpg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321191571371?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

You can always send the seller a message
asking him if he'd take an offer.

George
in
New Jersey

The lifter you are looking at are for 1950-52 engines. Those engines used steel cams. If you have a late 1954-62 engine, which uses a cast cam, I would not recommended using these.