Replacing Lifters on 73 318

[Mr Cuda]

Just logged on to this.
Total devastation. How do you go back to the ones responsible and get any compensation?

 

[Xcudame]

@Mr Cuda , you're absolutely right! It costs more money and time going after jerks who mess things up! May of 2025 some pos sheriff deputy ran into and totaled my son's first 2015 Challenger Scat Pack. Out about $15k even with the insurance paying out. Since my son wasn't injured, no lawyer would take our case.

 

[Ricks72Chlgr440]

@Mr Cuda , you're absolutely right! It costs more money and time going after jerks who mess things up! May of 2025 some pos sheriff deputy ran into and totaled my son's first 2015 Challenger Scat Pack. Out about $15k even with the insurance paying out. Since my son wasn't injured, no lawyer would take our case.

Sad. I think many lawyers will have a special (hot) place in the after life. So many want the "big hit" they won't even consider the small potatoes. My son's truck was hit by the father of a famous San Antonio Spurs player years ago. Clearly at fault. The police shook his hand, smiled, and he went his way. My son had to fight with the insurance company because they totaled the truck. No lawyer would take his case because he walked away from the accident.

 

[Xcudame]

@Fordication has unfortunately also gotten screwed! It sucks!

 

[Fordication]

@Fordication has unfortunately also gotten screwed! It sucks!

I have not taken the photos to the shop yet. I stopped because if I take the timing chain cover off and the thrust plate is missing I am suing. I am thinking about giving them a chance to look at first. I had spare parts I bought but I do not think the thrust plate was in the box of parts. If it's not there and they try to bullshit thier way out I will gladly spend the money to sue them.

 

[Fordication]

So the general consensus is, I need to rebuild the motor or does anybody think that I can replace the cam?Change the oil change the pump and move on question mark

 

[pschlosser]

So the general consensus is, I need to rebuild the motor or does anybody think that I can replace the cam?Change the oil change the pump and move on question mark

if you're asking, "can I just replace the cam and lifters, while the engine is still in the car, get her running and move on?"

if the engine was indeed oil starved, that would explain such sever wear on the lifter with one hour of engine time. with the knowledge the thrust plate may be missing (presuming they didn't install another one) then ALL the bearings in the engine, including the crankshaft bearings, likely need to be checked.

if you had severe low oil pressure, before (I forget, because there are several projects and topics ongoing this forum) then is seems likely this is due to worn bearings... all of which must (by my standards) be checked.

All this includes complete teardown of the engine.

It is possible, AFTER removal of the engine from the car, and a tear down and inspection, all that needs replacing is the camshaft and lifters... but it's looking improbable.

 

[pschlosser]

After a little thought, you can, of course, give it a go. give it shot. just replace the minimal amount of parts, with the block still in the car, and see what happens. if it goes wrong, you're only out the cost of parts and your labor.

some may say "it's just a 318 engine, nothing to get all uptight, about" and they are right. if a complete rebuild is in order, it may be less effort and cost to just find a used 318 engine. they are (or once were) pretty darn plentiful, and considered "junk" compared to the 340, 440, and 426 engines in the e-body.

 

[Xcudame]

The more I think about it, the metal from the worn lifters and camshaft is still inside the engine. I would remove the engine and completely start over as the entire oiling system of holes and galleries need to be thoroughly cleaned of sludge containing steel. Sure it's only a 318 and not a Hemi or 440 6 Pack, but it's your 318. And since it's messed up now, might as well yank it and do it right.

I eagerly await a photo of the timing gear set with or without the thrust plate installed.

 

[Fordication]

After a little thought, you can, of course, give it a go. give it shot. just replace the minimal amount of parts, with the block still in the car, and see what happens. if it goes wrong, you're only out the cost of parts and your labor.

some may say "it's just a 318 engine, nothing to get all uptight, about" and they are right. if a complete rebuild is in order, it may be less effort and cost to just find a used 318 engine. they are (or once were) pretty darn plentiful, and considered "junk" compared to the 340, 440, and 426 engines in the e-body.

Car is 100% original which is why I am hiding everything I do inside of the engine with the exception of the headers and the dual exhaust with turn downs. I am even going to rebuild the AC system and use R12 in it. I even found a 4 barrel Air Cleaner that I am painting for it so it looks original. I want that idle though and 3.23 sure grip rear end. That way I can get up into the 90s on Texas Highways where that is the speed limit.

 

[Fordication]

The more I think about it, the metal from the worn lifters and camshaft is still inside the engine. I would remove the engine and completely start over as the entire oiling system of holes and galleries need to be thoroughly cleaned of sludge containing steel. Sure it's only a 318 and not a Hemi or 440 6 Pack, but it's your 318. And since it's messed up now, might as well yank it and do it right.

I eagerly await a photo of the timing gear set with or without the thrust plate installed.

Double row timing chain, new along with new water pump and new timing cover with new seals. I am going to walnut blast the originals and resale them. Nothing wrong with them.

 

[Ricks72Chlgr440]

Car is 100% original which is why I am hiding everything I do inside of the engine with the exception of the headers and the dual exhaust with turn downs. I am even going to rebuild the AC system and use R12 in it. I even found a 4 barrel Air Cleaner that I am painting for it so it looks original. I want that idle though and 3.23 sure grip rear end. That way I can get up into the 90s on Texas Highways where that is the speed limit.

The 3.23 is an excellent ratio for you too, fellow Texan!

 

[Fordication]

if you're asking, "can I just replace the cam and lifters, while the engine is still in the car, get her running and move on?"

if the engine was indeed oil starved, that would explain such sever wear on the lifter with one hour of engine time. with the knowledge the thrust plate may be missing (presuming they didn't install another one) then ALL the bearings in the engine, including the crankshaft bearings, likely need to be checked.

if you had severe low oil pressure, before (I forget, because there are several projects and topics ongoing this forum) then is seems likely this is due to worn bearings... all of which must (by my standards) be checked.

All this includes complete teardown of the engine.

It is possible, AFTER removal of the engine from the car, and a tear down and inspection, all that needs replacing is the camshaft and lifters... but it's looking improbable.

Yep. if I find out they did not install another thrust plate then I am rebuilding. I am thinking of filling the engine with diesel and rinsing it out thru the oil pan then remove the pan and replace the pump and strainer. I will use an impact to turn the engine over and try to get as much of the metal out as possible before I go back with new oil