Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

Priming the lifter w/new cam

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-10-2005, 09:32 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
84taowner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Orange Park, FL
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 T/A
Engine: L69
Transmission: 700R4
Priming the lifter w/new cam

I bought a new edelbrock cam and lifter set today and I was going over the instructions since it seems that every cam manufactor has different way of installing the cam. The directions said not to prime the lifters prior to installation as it could damage the pushrods and cam. I not your expert cam installer as this is my second, first on a GM motor. I just want to make sure nothing gets wacked when I start the motor for the first time.
Old 03-10-2005, 10:25 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member
 
HalfInchWrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ajax, ON
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 85Z28 87GTA 91GTA 98SS
Engine: SBC, LS-x
Transmission: T-5, 700-R4, T-56
Follow their instructions if you want. I always prime them and never had a problem.
Old 03-11-2005, 06:57 AM
  #3  
ede
TGO Supporter

 
ede's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Jackson County
Posts: 14,811
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
i don't think priming lifters serves any more usefull purpose than making you feel good for doing it, however i try to prime them when i install a set.
Old 03-11-2005, 12:21 PM
  #4  
Junior Member

 
tommyt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hungary
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 T/A
Engine: built NOS 350
Transmission: manual 700r4
I never prime them, never had any problems. If its a flat tappet cam, use lots of assembly lube though...that is more important than priming, IMO...
Old 03-11-2005, 01:59 PM
  #5  
SSC
Supreme Member

 
SSC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Pueblo Co
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1989 C4
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 307
Waste of time. Lifters come from the factory pre oiled. Cam lube isnt the same as assembly lube, it creates friction on the lobe so the cam/lifters break in faster.
Old 03-11-2005, 10:56 PM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
84taowner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Orange Park, FL
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 T/A
Engine: L69
Transmission: 700R4
Yea, I went ahead a installed them as per the instructions the cam came with, unprimed, and finished assembling the engine and with any luck I will get to drop it in the car by Sunday and see.

Thanks guys.
Old 03-13-2005, 06:58 AM
  #7  
Senior Member

 
blacksheep-1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: st. Petersburg, Fla
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 83 Z28
Engine: vortec 305 for now
Transmission: 5 speed
I always collapse the lifter using a pushrod and apply oil through a squirt oil can into the feed hole on the side of the lifter until I feel the lifter pump up. It just makes me feel better to know it actually has oil in it, and that it will actually pump up w/o some defect.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gta892000
TPI
13
08-11-2019 11:16 AM
Jorlain
Tech / General Engine
6
10-08-2015 01:57 AM
Stryker412
Tech / General Engine
17
09-07-2015 09:11 AM
dimented24x7
Tech / General Engine
4
09-06-2015 03:51 PM
z28guy134
Engine Swap
1
09-01-2015 11:50 PM



Quick Reply: Priming the lifter w/new cam



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:04 AM.