New old guy here. Can anybody tell me how to identify the steel lifter from the iron lifter? I've searched through a bunch of Y-Block Magazine back issues but can't find what I'm looking for. I had a cam, casting CABX, reground and used what I believe are the steel lifters (thin foot?) but right after start up it went flat. Issue #55 has some great info by Mummert about cams but I am still in the dark about lifter and cam compatability. Of course I never gave it alot of thought until this event. Yup, used molly lube, pre-oiled before start up etc. This may be a moot issue cause I will most likely buy new instead of reground next time but getting a little closure on this costly boo boo might make me feel better. Thanks in advance.

The 5120 steel lifter is EAA-6500-D.  The foot height is .14", the height including the undercut is .22"-.30".

The cast iron lifters are:

EAA-6500-C. The foot height is .22", the height including the undercut is .408".

5752073 or C3AE-6500-A (B8C-6500-A). The foot height is .186"-.188".  The overall length is 2.41".  The 60-64 parts book specifies this lifter for the induction hardened camshaft.

CABX cam, what was the original application, is that an induction hardened cam?  CAB cam is I/H.  Maybe went below hard case during regrind?  Just a guess.

Regards,

Dennis

Mummert's cam article in issue #77 of YBM, says the CAB-X is a 1964 cam, which should mean it's originally for a truck. Questions to consider; Were the Lifters reground also? Was it done correctly? As I understand it they are supposed to have a camber or crown on them. (someone here with direct knowledge, hopefully will comment further or correct me) What about a possible oiling fault ? What valve springs are you using? Is coil bind possible?.. Further that cam is a very mild cam & you might want to contact John Mummert & explain your dilemma. I'm sure he will have recommendations.

Paul

Thanks Dennis and Paul for replies. Cam was 249 degrees at .050, lifters resurfaced, Crower springs, guides machined for clearance, etc. I had a hard time starting the engine and I think the time spent cranking just wiped off the lube. One thing I am going to check on the five (five!) good lobes I have left is taper. Will post later on what I find plus exactly which lifters I used. Thanks, Dave

The lifter face should have a 50.00" spherical radius (approx), the microfinish is 8.  This is common to all of the above lifters.

Lobe taper is probably 0 deg 6 minutes - 0 deg 10 minutes.  Large end at front on 5,6,7, and 8 intake and exhaust, and large end of taper to rear on 1,2,3, and 4 intake and exhaust.

BTW, do the lifters appear to be original Ford, or are they aftermarkets?  Are they all steel lifters, or is there a mix of cast iron and steel?  

Regards,

Dennis

    

Drexel: Dennis may have hit on a critical item. Are your lifters ones that were made "off shore" say in the late 90s or early 2000s? If so you may have a set of "duds" which were made when a couple of old line lifter manufacturers ceased operation or making of flat lifters. The off shore ones are poorly manufactured in some cases & have contributed to numerous complaints of lifter/ cam failures. There are also oil anti scuff issues in recent times due to new EPA standards. That subject has been discussed ad nauseam both here & in various auto magazines. Most recently I believe in Street Rodder magazine, I think in the March issue(?).You might want to check it out. Actually "Ted" on this site summed the subject up well recently, so look back a few days for his contribution on the subject..

Paul

Yesterday I was looking at a 1960 NAPA parts book.  Y block lifters had a list price of 81 cents!!

John in Selma, IN

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"