I don't think the lifter cause it either that's what I was trying to say about a possible burnt valve. I was thinking a burnt exhaust valve that stuck closed may have cause the lifter to collapse. You think that could be the root cause....a burnt valve? It would also explain the lost compression?


So you're saying pull the rockers and retest compression?

Carbon build up on the valve stem.... Decarb time.

OR IF the valve already contacted the piston it may be bent.

Had to take a break to gain my sanity. Working on getting down to the intake and getting it off. Dad walked over and checked the push rod and confirmed the lifter has definatly come apart or is trashed. He'sbuild aa lotof small blocks in his day so I'm working on getting down to it now.


I HATE mechanic work!



... side note: I noticed today that if you have grease on your face it bothers everyone around you much more than it bothers you personally.


back at it will report back later if I don't take my own life.

Two bad lifters...on different cylinders. I'm wondering if dirty oil or additives has caused the other failure. I'm bout to pull the head and all the other lifters and check them

If it makes you feel better you aren't alone... I've been hit hard by the plague!
Two engines and a transmission ($4000+) in my diesel dually in 105 miles!!!
Yes you read that right.....
Engine cracked a piston.... Found a replacement and somehow managed to drop a nut into the head during installation.... Made it 100 miles before the nut lodged between a valve and seat..... Repaired engine, two new pistons w rings, one rod, all new rod bearings, a head, head gasket, and head bolts..... For it together and in 5 miles the trans locked up and slid me to a stop.... Been working on this damn truck since August!

Just pulled it out of the shop again tonight.... Have a couple loose ends to tie up and then I'm doing a trans, t-case, and header on the jeep... Then gotta get geared up for a 1000 mile trip to TX for a new job..... Wheeeeeeeee

Post up a picture, but it sounds like SEALED power lifters to me. Had this happen to me twice before I learned my lesson about using them.

Damn ferm I just picked up two new lifters and they are "sealed". should I not use them? What brand do you recommend?

I will oNLY use MELLINGS lifters. I will NEVER use another SEALED POWER hydraulic roller in an aold school VORTEC again. BOTH times I used SEALED POWER I had problems, and both times it was in a 350 with a hydraulic roller cam. AUTOZONE carries MELLINGS, most everybody else carries SEALED POWER. And MELLINGS was the OEM manufacturer for GM for these which is strange considering FEDERAL MOGUL makes many OEM parts.

Well I have my compression back after grinding the valves and putting the head back on. I pulled the other head to be sure since the carbon buildup was so bad on the valve stems. Reworked it and just reinstalled. Calling it a night. Hope to get the intake and everything else back on tomorrow. I'm praying at this point I haven't burned up a lower end bearing since my oil pressure gauge doesn't work. I put a new oil pressure sending unit on today. The needle needs calibrating but it's doing something now at least.

Glad you got it back together. Carbon build up is pretty common on 'city cars' the old phrase "blow the carbon out" actually does have some merit.... Once in a while a few wot 0-60's can help avoid that happening.