[jasonn]

Got a 72 cleveland that came with the car I just bought. It sat for probably around 10 years. Had it started for a few times here and there and then it started missing. Found out the cam had some flat lobes and it completely wrecked the lifters on the lobes it took out. I think there were 3 lobes. Stock bottom end with stock 4 barrel heads. Stock rockers, springs, everything. Put a new cam in. Comp 280h. cam with .530 lift. Probably got 15 miles on it and it took two different lobes out on the cam again.

Why?? And yes, I had plenty of lube and broke it in for 15 minutes at 2500rpm. What should I try now??? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much!!

 

[retyler]

Pick up the June 06 issue of Hot Rod, they have an excellent article on why cams go bad.

 

[clevelandstyle]

The newest issue of Hot Rod mag has an artical about this common problem. I'm not a Hot Rod fan, but it's worth reading. The most common problem is imported Chinese lifters but there are other factors.

Also, if the engine has been sitting for 10 years the lifter bores may be gummed or rusted or damaged taking out mushroomed lifters. The new lifter MUST rotate freely. You must check for this.

 

[jasonn]

I'll have to read this arcticle. Yea I put the cheap speed pro lifters in it. I had the motor apart and cleaned and checked Everything! Looked real good. Even had the heads apart to make sure a valve wasn't sticking. Whole motor looks good.

 

[clevelandstyle]

BTW you didn't say what kind of valves you are running but I assume they are stock. Stock valves are very weak on a cleveland and are prone to breaking. It will take out the head and block if it breaks. Don't run stock valves in any situation. Been there, done that! Twice! I'm cheap and hard headed, but I learned my lesson.

 

[Blue Fastback]

Are you using the stock valve springs? You may be getting coil bind.