254 tappets/lifters

kamzack
kamzack Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Should the surface on the cam side of the tappets be resurfaced flat or convex? I been told both, so I'd like to know before I make a mistake. Also if they have no cam tracks, should they be resurfaced anyway? The 254 is an original 54k mile engine, in a 50 Commodore, that came to me with#'s 6&7 dead. I got it fired up after it's long sleep and after seeing the condition of nearly all the valves,I'm surprized it ran at all, but it's a Hudson.It ran smooth and quiet for running on 6 outa 8 cyclinders. Thanks in advance.

Kim

Comments

  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    If there is no sign of wear, do not resurface the tappets. Remember, if isn't broken, don't fix it. Flatheads for the most part tend to low valve gear wear because they are lightly loaded as compared to overhead valves.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Hi---Definately convex & if there are no cam tracks, then that should be quite evident. Incidentally our club member Al Saffrahn resurfaces these at a very reasonable rate.
  • Fred
    Fred Expert Adviser
    I remember way back in the 50's my father's 47 wiped out #1 tappet. I had it hardness tested and it was case hardened to 72 rockwell. Nothing wrong with the tappet, just lack of lubrication for some reason, So don't grind off too much or you will get through the case hardened surface.

    Fred
  • kamzack
    kamzack Senior Contributor
    Fred wrote:
    I remember way back in the 50's my father's 47 wiped out #1 tappet. I had it hardness tested and it was case hardened to 72 rockwell. Nothing wrong with the tappet, just lack of lubrication for some reason, So don't grind off too much or you will get through the case hardened surface.

    Fred



    Thank you M55,Hud8, and Fred very, very much. I intend to remove engine this week, remove tappets, pan, splasher pan and take it to the machine shop to dress the seats and have them install guides and fit valves and have them do preliminary valve set. One other question I have, I should have had in my orginal request; should the seats have straight 45 or 3 angle grind? What is the opinion on hardened seats?Im gonna install an overdrive trans,harness, and driveshaft from a 51 parts car. I'd like to drive and enjoy before the salt hits the roads. Thanks again guys and thanks for letting me share.

    Kim
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