Collapsed lifter? Options

[DRPHIL914]

Well...I think this mystery is solved (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[Root_Werks]

Uh oh, that picture paints a clearer state of things. I was way off, does look like either a bent valve or dropped seat. From the picture, that one spring looks compressed a little more than the others. If you can get a differential gauge set on that cyl, you will probably hear air through the intake (that's the intake valve right?)

[rhodyguy]

Presume the other 7 are waiting to happen. Sorry for your woes.

[Shivers]

I was rooting for the flattened lifter. Darn.

[930cabman]

Have you done a compression check or a leakdown test?

Def sorry for your woes, especially with the summer season just coming on.

[porschetub]

Sorry to say, but based on your description (especially the noise), you're probably looking at a valve seat that let go.

Here's a very useful tool that you can feed either through the spark plug hole or manifold. It's useful for many other jobs too and is less than $20 delivered. Please note that this one works on an android phone. If you have an iPhone get a different one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071HYRPND?p...ob_b_asin_title

Best wishes with the fix.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) valve seat loose and valve stuck down classic signs ,IMO if solid lifter you would have a bent pushrod but instead the hyd lifter collapsed ?,Iam a little concerned about pushrods appears they are not the steel ones's as one other member pointed out.
I would pull the engine and pop of that head off,if it is this issue you need to check the out for valve seat issues on the other head.
Not good news but could have been a lot worse (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) .

[JMT]

Thanks guys for all the well wishes. I'll probably just take the head off and hope for the best.
Root_Werks, yes intake on #4

rhodyguy I am thinking what you're thinking...what about the 7 others?

porschetub, those are solid lifters, they just look hydraulic, crazy huh, They are from web cam. The pushrods are aluminum and didn't bend. Is it safe to assume the seat gave way and the valve is hanging up? That's what I'm hoping for.

These heads had 44 intake and 38 exhaust and had some work done to them.

Maybe jumping the gun but any thoughts on new heads?

Mike Damone: I woke up in a great mood; I don't know what the hell happened. (Fast Times at Ridgemont high)

[rhodyguy]

I honestly don't know what to tell you. This is the point where project creep flows in and the cash flows out.

[930cabman]

I honestly don't know what to tell you. This is the point where project creep flows in and the cash flows out.

Exactly, with 50 years old stuff, you may want to look into new heads. My local old school head guy has passed on a couple sets of heads I have brought to him for reconditioning

[brant]

Most of the guys that do head work will no longer accept the job on used heads because they can no longer stand behind the work on old castings.
So new heads are “almost” the only way

The other 7 seats are suspect now that you know the part has aged out from too many heat cycles

[porschetub]

Most of the guys that do head work will no longer accept the job on used heads because they can no longer stand behind the work on old castings.
So new heads are “almost” the only way

The other 7 seats are suspect now that you know the part has aged out from too many heat cycles

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) certainly the rest may do the same,were the replacement seats put in correctly or maybe the heads are too weak/soft to support them ?.
The shop that used to do my VW heads won't touch air cooled ones now.

[JMT]

I'm thinking It's better to just get new heads. I've been doing a little searching here for options. What are your guys thoughts? AMC? AA?

[sportlicherFahrer]

I'd jump on one of the FB groups and find Tabari Andrade. Not sure if he's a member here. He's in CA, and can source/machine parts. When I was getting parts together for my engine he mentioned he can build a set of heads out pretty nice. Worth looking into.

[brant]

I'm thinking It's better to just get new heads. I've been doing a little searching here for options. What are your guys thoughts? AMC? AA?

I haven’t researched lately
I believe the new heafs are fine
But if you want the big valves. You’ll have machine them still and have the seats changed. Didn’t Len sell them. He would be a trustworthy machinist too.

[JMT]

Sold out, these would be the closest thing to what I have.

https://aapistons.com/collections/stock-per...eads-44x36-pair

[Jake Raby]

Any of the new heads require better components installed to be trustworthy. This held true with the AMC Spanish made heads, as well as these newer units made in China.
Valves and springs are the biggest question mark, as well as valve seat material, and seat installation.
Len stopped rebuilding OE head castings a long time ago. If you buy his heads based on either of the new castings available, he is reworking those in many ways, balancing the chambers, installing proven hardware and etc.
Once he's done with them, I'd say that the AMC or China heads are on par with each other.
Out of the box from either manufacturer is a crapshoot.

The crapshoot associated with OE head castings is even bigger, because over 45 years they've been overheated, hacked on, welded, have stripped threads, and will pull exhaust studs in most cases. Heads do have a service life, even 911 heads.

[JMT]

Thanks Jake. Sounds like Len is the way to go.

[JMT]

LN Engineering website.

NOTE: Due to limited availability and high demand, we will not be offering our Camper Special, RS+, or LE200 heads for purchase outside of our engine kits.

[GregAmy]

The lack of affordable rebuilders and drying up of spare parts is making engine swaps that much more do-able...and that much more attractive.

My vote is for the Honda K20Z3 with drive-by-wire. Massive support for those engines and easy peasy build to 200 wheel ponies. I'm wiring up a 2008 Civic Si with AEM Inifity 5 engine management as we type (we get ~230 wheel with cams and exhaust).

[mgphoto]

The AMC heads reworked into 2.0L configuration have been working great for me, installed in 2012 well over 30k miles no issues.