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Tappet Inspection

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L

LanceLyon

Jedi Hopeful
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Hello anyone!

I am re-building the engine in my BJ7, and all 12 of the tappets are in the same condition, in that the surfaces that mate with the camshaft are all polished, but are pitted. They are also all slightly concave.

Does anyone know if this is standard condition for these? As they are cast, I don't know that I need to worry about them coming apart on me, but thought I'd check with someone who has experience in this area.

Thanks for your help!
 
Hi LL, it sounds like from your description that the tappets are worn. I would suggest that you send the entire assembly to; Rocker Shaft Re builders for a rebuild.--Fwiw---Keoke
 
It sounds like your refering to the cam followers and that they are worn enough to need replacing. You need to check the cam for ware as well. I strongly recommend the Dennis Welch light weight followers and his tubular push rods. Taking all that weight out of the valve train quietens the engine.
 
Lyon,

Both of the above are correct. Send out the entire rocker assembly for rebuild to RAS, you will be pleased. The rocker shafts are pretty soft and by now all are worn.

Also have the cam checked and brought back to original BJ8 spec. The followers should be sent along with the cam for resurfacing by the same shop that does the cam, or perhaps new ones installed as per Ajax. Be sure to use cam break in grease and oil with plenty of ZDDF at break in time.
 
Lots of good advice here. Just be sure to take it. Over time, the cam and tappets will wear into each other, sort of like old married couples. Absent huge amounts of wear, they will continue to function. But don't try to separate them and expect them to work. Worn tappets on a new cam, or vice-versa, is big trouble. Point is, there is no inexpensive short cut to valve train rehab.
 
And use oil for the older engine. Just seen an artical about these oils having some zinc it them that is good for the cam and followers, oils for the modern engine can be harmfull and the engine could be back to square one in as little as 500 miles with heavy pitting on the cam and followers.
 
Thanks everyone!

I've purchased replacements for the tappets (followers) and have the engine at a shop in Santa Barbara recommended by the technical group at Moss Motors (also in Santa Barbara)for a general freshening up!

I've got a question about the Cam that will follow this one in the Forum.

Thanks again!
 
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