Solid Roller Lifters

David Murray · Post by **David Murray** » Sat Jul 22, 17 5:06 pm

So, my 512 stroker build was progressing nicely until yesterday, but now I have a headache!! I did a deal with a friend whereby I ended up with a Crower 'Street Roller' solid roller cam (.550 gross lift) and matching Crower Severe Duty 'Cutaway' solid roller lifters. All fitted and looking good until I tried priming the engine.

Basically, oil is flowing out from top and bottom of the lifters, so would be creating a zero oil pressure situation. I can't find much info out there on this, but I 'think' the issue might be that these lifters have cut-outs on both sides of the body, allowing oil from the galley in and then out, top and bottom. I know you need some oiling, especially to the roller tips...but this can't be right.

Would I be correct in thinking that this style of lifter is for when the lifter bores are bushed? What solid roller lifters would work properly in standard 440 lifter bores? Usually I can get a clue by doing some research on the net, but I'm struggling with this one. Maybe should have stuck with the 'good ole' hydraulic flat tappet setup!

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Sat Jul 22, 17 5:22 pm

Yes it is an issue I have heard of, not all roller lifters will keep the oil holes covered in unbushed bores and you will lose all oil pressure. That's as much help as I can be, never used a roller cam personally.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sat Jul 22, 17 5:25 pm

Can you stick up a part number on here of the Crowers ?

David Murray · Post by **David Murray** » Sat Jul 22, 17 5:42 pm

Cheers Blue.

Pete, the cam is Crower 32412

https://www.crower.com/camshafts/mopar- ... illet.html

The lifters, which are the real problem, are Crower 66232. These are about 10 years old - used but refurbished by Crower. But can't find any info on them. On the Summit site it says they have now been replaced by 66233, which makes sense....but not sure if exactly the same design..

https://www.crower.com/lifters/severe-d ... -8668.html

Looks like I'll needs to buy new lifters but they ain't cheap so need to make sure I get a set that will work this time around! Or, I do have access to a used set of Cranes that were working in a hemi block....risky I know....

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sat Jul 22, 17 5:56 pm

Well, you can buy cheap roller lifters, but they will not be cheap - in the long run.

I think you will either have to bush the lifter bores or change the lifters. I have not seen through pushrod oiling on a BB Mopar either (not saying it does not happen).

I know Mick had problems with Comp Cams liters but I have always found them to be Ok.

David Murray · Post by **David Murray** » Sat Jul 22, 17 6:04 pm

Yep, Comp Cams seem to offer the most options and I know they do a solid body style, which would keep the oil holes covered. Maybe this is the way I need to go.

NB: Yes, I've seen all these mega cheap Chinese roller lifters on eBay...best avoided I think....as you say, cheap initially, but could indeed end up very expensive in the long run.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sat Jul 22, 17 6:10 pm

Yes, all those supposedly-hardened parts floating around in your engine vitals - not good.

Bite the bullet time, I think...

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Sat Jul 22, 17 6:32 pm

I read somewhere that the solid body type where the body extends halfway round the roller are the ones that do the trick, I don't know who makes those.
Roller lifters work hard and it's an instance where I do believe you get what you pay for.

David Murray · Post by **David Murray** » Sat Jul 22, 17 6:53 pm

Yes Blue, been busy reading-up and was just getting to that same conclusion. Comp cams and Isky I believe make that type....

https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/ ... e/chrysler

The above has 2 reviews and in one the chap says, "Great lifter for the price. Used these often and never had a problem. Full body lifter to prevent oil loss in the lifter bores of big block mopars." Looks like what I need then.

Or, these cost more...not sure why and if still the type I need..

https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/ ... e/chrysler

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Sat Jul 22, 17 7:13 pm

Isky have a good reputation for quality. Have you had a look at Hughes website? Normally a good selection of parts and tech info there.

David Murray · Post by **David Murray** » Sun Jul 23, 17 7:13 am

Blue wrote:Isky have a good reputation for quality. Have you had a look at Hughes website? Normally a good selection of parts and tech info there.

Isky do indeed sound good, but at a premium price.....nearly double Comp Cams. Quite possibly worth it and I will look into them some more, especially given the odd scare story I've heard in respect to some of the Comp Cams kit. Will take a look on Hughes website too.

Thanks for the pointers.

Birdman · Post by **Birdman** » Sun Jul 23, 17 8:16 pm

Speaking to Rob Loaring of ICE Automotive a couple of years ago, I asked about bushing lifter bores in the 440 I was having rebored. He did not think anyone over here had the capability to bush lifters. It would be good to know if anyone can do it.
I think you need roller lifters without any change in diameter, not like the Comp Cams ones you posted.

David Murray · Post by **David Murray** » Tue Jul 25, 17 6:55 pm

Fitted some NOS (old school) Crane 66515 lifters that were apparently designed as a drop-in for standard big block mopar lifter bores . Only a blob of oil down onto the rollers at the extreme of travel in the bore when priming the pump, so potentially a nice compromise between keeping the rollers lubricated and not bleeding off too much oil pressure. Hopefully will be firing this engine up later in the week....so we'll see then.