TR2/3/3A lifter type

[sp53]

I was looking to order new lifters and now I see that there is a lifter with a hole drilled in the side at the bottom. This looks maybe like it is good ideas, I just do not know. Original I was going to get what they had, basically standard lifters, thinking they only had one type, but now I see two types . Anyways does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks Steve

 

[CJD]

Well, it couldn't hurt. The problem with cam lobes is they only receive splash off the crankshaft to lubricate the contact patch. I assume that little hole is allowing oil from the lifter oil gallery to migrate through to the bottom of the lifter, so it will get lubrication to the lobe as soon as the oil pressure comes up. I assume they are limiting the flow, or you could reduce oil pressure.

On the other hand, cams and lifters in these engines usually last for decades without issue. The killer is when the engine sits for long periods, so the oil drips off the cam lobes. Then condensation and such allow corrosion...and hardened steel is more corrosion sensitive than mild steel. Then it tops off with a dry start up until the crank throws enough oil to re-lube the cam lobes.

The key to long lifter life is to never go more than a month or two without running the engine.

 

[poolboy]

Have the lifters been tested for hardness ?
There could be something about Rockwell hardness in the description.

 

[Stevenry]

I just installed the heavy duty ones from British Parts Northwest. They have the hole drilled in the bottom, and minimum Rockwell hardness of 54. I don’t suppose one really knows how parts like that are performing until there’s a problem or the engine comes apart for another problem or overwhelming curiosity and too much leisure time.

Steve