Lifer/Cam issues 304

[someguy360]

Hi All,

Over the past few days my 304 sounds like it may have the dreaded flat cam lobe/lifter failure. Around 1500-2000rpm it's got a horrible rattle from the top end. It's got oil pressure but seems to be worse when warm. It's not missfiring and running as well as it always has.

Vid attached, has anyone heard anything similar before?

I've drained the oil and theres no chunks so hopefully it's not a bearing and I can get away with a cam/lifter swap if that is the case.

Thanks all.

 

[EYY]

Could be a cracked rocker, it's relatively common in these. Fingers crossed it's not a cam issue - if it's wiped a lobe itll really need a full rebuild. That metal destroys everything. I'd start by pulling the Rocker covers off.

 

[Smitty]

also pull the oil filter off and cut the end (with the seal) off
check there is no metal in the filter element inside

 

[someguy360]

Thanks guys, cut the filter open tonight, clean as a whistle so I suspect it's probably just a dying lifter or lifters.

took the manifold off, lobes look ok.

Already have a Crane 268 and a new set of lifters on the shelf for a rainy day so going to give the top end a freshen up and see how things go while the engine is already half disassembled.

 

[someguy360]

Broke the new cam in today, noise is gone, happy days.