Rebuild Hydraulic Flat Tappet Lifter??

[bobs66440]

There's an issue with my newly rebuilt 440 (flat tappet hydraulic .488 Summit cam...all new everything)

It has been running perfect up to now (1300 miles), but now when it sits for a day or two and I start it, it raps pretty loud for a second or two until the oil pressure kicks in. (It definitely sounds like only ONE lifter. Very distinct as a single tap). After that, it's fine all day long. No noise, perfect.  It's only after it sits. It sounds to me like a lifter is bleeding down. I called Comp tech. They said I should replace all the lifters and cam also. They said replacing just one will almost certainly wipe out that lobe. I really don't want to tear this thing back apart.

My buddy suggested maybe using the failed lifter body, rebuilding it and re-installing it in the same place. That way I wouldn't have to tear it all apart. I just don't know if that can be done or not. I've had them apart and reassembled them before, but....

Experiences?

[my73charger]

Hi Bob,

I wouldn't drive it anymore until you get this taken care of.  I think if it is just a lifter bleeding down (thats what it sounds like to me) you are safe replacing just the lifters as long as there is no damage to the cam, but I would replace the entire set though.  I experienced the exact same thing once on a motor and that is what I did and it worked out fine.  It might not be a bad idea to try and get a good look at the lobes on that cam though just to make sure there is no damage.  I am not a motor builder though so my advise is from my past experience - I am sure Ron or someone will be by with some expert advise soon...  Good luck!

Tim