Any pitfalls I should be aware of if/when installing a set of new lifters with a good, but used cam. I believe the cam is an Isky RPM300



Buz

Buz Mills

Dallas, TX

The pitfall is cam or lifter failure.  A friend had a low mileage used Isky cam.  It was looked at professionally.  The mechanic called Isky for advice, they said it should be OK with new lifters, as the old lifters were gone or mixed up. 

I had a used performance cam with only 1500 miles which had been operating with low spring pressures.  Absolutely no noticeable or measurable wear.  Still wasnt comfortable with reusing it so had it reground by Oregon Cams and reground some lifters too.  $75 for the cam isnt much when the whole engine depends upon it all holding up.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

Insure that the valve spring pressures are well within both the closed and open specs and that coil bind and/or retainer to guide clearance is adequate.  Lube both the lobes and lifters thoroughly when installing.  Have the engine timed and the carburetor primed so that the engine fires up right away and bring the rpms up for several minutes just like you would with a brand new camshaft.  With all this done, you’ve increased the chances that the camshaft and lifters will survive.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)