Lifter retainers.......

[PSuva]

How important are lifter retainers and the spider arm thing that holds them on these motors? I pulled one apart today that didn't have any and It got me wondering.

 

[fox racer]

No spider/retainers and it's not flat tappet? Check the cam lobes, valvetrain, lifters etc for unusual wear. And locate a spider/retainers. If it's an older block it will need to be retrofitted to work.

 

[Mustang5L5]

WHat year is the block? Is it a flat tappet?

 

[90lxcoupe]

If it didnt have the retainers and is hydraulic the lifter can rotate and wipe the cam out mabye post a picture of what you found

 

[Maryland Stang]

It's not a HO. A engine that has roller lifters won't make it around the block without the linkbars or the spider depending on the style of roller lifter. The lifters would rotate on the cam.

 

[PSuva]

Oh its got roller lifters alright. Its also got a cracked head. THe guy I picked the car up from mentioned the head problem, I towed it home. I think he had it apart and just didn't reinstall the retainers.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Well...you need them.

Summit sells them if you can't find a used one.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-6253-A50/