Melling vs GM

[GhostWriter]

Hello Everyone,

 

Noticed that Melling offers items such as LS7 lifters & timing chains for a fraction of  what GM charges.

 

Any opinions on the quality of any of these items?  Have always had respect for Melling, but not sure what to think about this.  Thanks for your help.

 

 

[Grumpy Bear]

Why are you unsure? Because of the relative price? 

[GhostWriter]

Yes.  The price of LS7 lifter sets are all over the place.  Like to know what I'm installing in my engine.  Thanks. 

[Z45]

fwiw  Melling if a GM supplier of the AFM lifters...

[GhostWriter]

Seems like there's been an issue with lifter quality control & supply, for some time.  Am willing to pay a couple of dollars more for something  that won't fail prematurely, if necessary.

 

Have had my 5.3 open twice to service a bad AFM lifter.  Same thing.  The roller goes, but the cam remains pristine.  Wonder why?

 

Well, maybe I finally figured it out.  In my opinion, the weak point in this whole system is the lifter trays; and, I believe the AFM lifters are harder on the trays than their neighbors in the adjacent cylinders.

 

Amazing how tight the standard roller lifters still fit into the tray, and how loose the AFM lifters seem to be.  Not enough to spin, necessarily.  Just loose enough to cause damage, perhaps.

 

Anyways, first time in, I neglected to replace the trays.  This time, a full DOD delete + new trays.  Hoping for better results.  Thanks for helping me think it through.

Edited September 9, 2020 by GhostWriter

[Grumpy Bear]

5 hours ago, GhostWriter said:

Seems like there's been an issue with lifter quality control & supply, for some time.  Am willing to pay a couple of dollars more for something  that won't fail prematurely, if necessary.

 

Have had my 5.3 open twice to service a bad AFM lifter.  Same thing.  The roller goes, but the cam remains pristine.  Wonder why?

 

Well, maybe I finally figured it out.  In my opinion, the weak point in this whole system is the lifter trays; and, I believe the AFM lifters are harder on the trays than their neighbors in the adjacent cylinders.

 

Amazing how tight the standard roller lifters still fit into the tray, and how loose the AFM lifters seem to be.  Not enough to spin, necessarily.  Just loose enough to cause damage, perhaps.

 

Anyways, first time in, I neglected to replace the trays.  This time, a full DOD delete + new trays.  Hoping for better results.  Thanks for helping me think it through.

These may be helpful. 

 

https://www.melling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Melling-tech-bulletin-on-GM-LS-Deactivation-Lifter-Issues-3.1.18-1.pdf

 

https://www.melling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/why-replace-screens.pdf

Edited September 9, 2020 by Grumpy Bear

[swathdiver]

Replacing the trays is SOP anytime you're in there, good insurance.  Melling is now and has been in the past the OE supplier for many engine parts including water and oil pumps, camshafts, lifters, etc.

[GhostWriter]

6 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

These may be helpful. 

 

https://www.melling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Melling-tech-bulletin-on-GM-LS-Deactivation-Lifter-Issues-3.1.18-1.pdf

 

https://www.melling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/why-replace-screens.pdf

Thanks.  Received my Melling oil pump & pickup tube/screen assembly, today.  Trying to leave no stone unturned, this time.  Thanks, again.