StoogeMoe

I just looked at the bores for the hydraulic lifters and found scratches on them. WTF? This is probably the worst one, but is this thing trashed? Out of curiosity, I looked at another cam tower, and it has the same kind of scratches, although not as severe. Anybody else notice this?

__________________________________________
1986 944 NA Guards Red all original 88K mi.
1983 944 NA Platinum Metallic w/LSD ~120K mi. (needs engine)
1985 944 NA Guards Red w/LSD (donor car)
1984 911 Carrera Coupe (gone, but not forgotten)
"If you're not living on the edge, you're not living."

Mongo

You can pick another cam tower cover up these days for less than $60. Don't worry and check ebay, or maybe even Rennlisters parting their cars out. I have 2 that I'm going to paint and sell to those who want to dress up their engines.

jgporsche

I have an extra one(cam tower) for sale if you need it.

StoogeMoe

So are you guys implying that I can't run it that way? Does there need to be a decent seal around the lifters?

As a side note. How do those hydraulic lifters work anyway? I don't see how these deal with the problem of wear on the components and still maintain the proper clearances.
____________________________________
1986 944 NA - Guards Red - 88k miles
1983 944 NA - Platinum metallic - awaiting new engine
1985.1 944 NA - Guards Red - donor car
1984 911 Carrera Coupe - Guards Red (gone, but not forgotten)
"If you're not living on the edge, you're not living"

nickg

i have like 20...35 bucks...i am pretty close to you too, come pick one up

KuHL 951

I've never seen one that bad. How did the lifters look? On the two spare motors I've broken down both the lifters and bores looked like mirrors.

MyBlackCar

Are you sure the PO did not go in there with an awl? Those look too large and deep to be metal shavings/bits. I agree, they should be smooth even with normal wear.

75ohm

The expensive parts to replace are the lifters, how the heck do those look in comparison!?

StoogeMoe

I'll have to take a look again at the lifters themselves. I remember them looking perfect, which is why I was perplexed to see those gouges.

This engine has an unknown history, but I can tell you the belt broke at one time. There is evidence of that on the pistons. So someone was in there before. Maybe they weren't meticulous with cleaning when reassembling?
____________________________________
1986 944 NA - Guards Red - 88k miles
1983 944 NA - Platinum metallic - awaiting new engine
1985.1 944 NA - Guards Red - donor car
1984 911 Carrera Coupe - Guards Red (gone, but not forgotten)
"If you're not living on the edge, you're not living"

Eyal 951

I'd replace that. I'm not sure on how important a the seal is, but anyting damaged must not be that great. I would be more worried about the lifters.
I actually have a set of 8v lifters in great condtion for sale (and a couple sets of barely used 16v lifters) for sale. If you want to replace them, I'll give you a good price. (or anyone else for that matter.)

75ohm

What's the opinion out there on swapping cam towers versus lifters?

MyBlackCar

If the tower scarring protruded into the bore, it could deform the lifters. Check the camtower bore and lifter with a micrometer. That is the only way to be sure.

StoogeMoe

I looked at the lifters. Especially the one that came out of that bore. There are just very fine vertical scratches on it. Nothing that matches the gouges in the bore. Very curious.

__________________________________________
1986 944 NA Guards Red all original 88K mi.
1983 944 NA Platinum Metallic w/LSD ~120K mi. (needs engine)
1985 944 NA Guards Red w/LSD (donor car)
1984 911 Carrera Coupe (gone, but not forgotten)
"If you're not living on the edge, you're not living."

Peckster

Looks like some metal fragments did time in there. If your lifters hold pressure (are quiet) i'd say it's not an issue.