Failed Lifter

[FFeng7]

This is a failed roller lifter from a friends 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier with a 2.2 engine with about 140k miles. His kid is the primary driver. Car was running five with a loud ticking noise. Upon taking the head off this is what he found. He say that he always changed the oil with Supertech 10w40 and cha
nged it generally once or twice a year when his kid comes home. He said he found the oil low often when his kid came home. No idea about the OCI mileage. He was going to fix it with a new lifter and cam. The rest of the engine looked clean and other lobes on the cam looked fine. I don't know why just one lifter would fail?

how to make screen shot

 

[Kool1]

With that large of a chunk missing from the roller lifter, I believe it broke off and did not wear down. It looks like a part failure especially if the other parts of the engine are fine. Replace the busted parts, fire it back up and drive it like you stole it!!!! Good luck

 

[ARB1977]

Teach the kid how to check his own oil. Something so simple can prevent issues down the road. At least it was only a cam and lifter and not the whole engine.

 

[spasm3]

Maybe revved high rpm cold?

 

[crw]

I don't think that is oil related. Most likely it's a bad part.

Nice photograph!

 

[bullwinkle]

Something about Cavaliers and valve lifters, my in-laws had one that seemed to EAT flat tappet lifters (came apart in 2 pieces & munched the timing chain locating pin off the cam).

 

[Quest]

methinks metal fatique.

Q.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

That's a nice picture of failed part.

 

[Falken]

I think these are old cam in block pushrod engines.

My guess would be high revving the engine while in Park or Neutral.

They love doing that in the parking lot with each other.

I remember before class at Auto Mechanics kids revving their Hondas until you hear the rev limiter kick in.

 

[Roadkingnc]

The needle bearings in the roller failed, wonder where they went?? I would pull the pan and clean it.

 

[Donald]

I believe its "kid" related. One way or another.

Replace the parts, explain car maint. again and move on.