454 Engine Problem

[SPIDERSS]

Ok hears where I am at I have a 96 3500 454 with 210000 miles been running fine but just got a knock. Took valve cover off and found one rod is loose and rocker is knocking. Now my question is how do I tell if it is a flat spot on the cam or a lifter? If lifter do I have get old one out and do I need to replace all of them if I replace one. Money is a little tight so how much should someone put into a 454 with 210000 miles and I should I get it rebuilt or buy a rebuilt one? The rest of the truck is in great shape and this is not my daily driver just a work truck. Thanks

[Nytemare]

first question, is it the lifter or is the rocker just loosened off?

 

I'd try and tighten down the arm first, not too tight mind you, but it may be enough till money gets better.

 

Pull the rod out also, it may be bent sightly and causing this issue for you. Basically, pull it out and roll it across a table, if it wobbles its screwed, get a new one.

 

Thats about all you can do before you have to pull the intake off, after that its a complete cam swap. But I doubt its the cam, other parts would be worn out before the cam IMO.

 

As for the lifters, you should be able to replace one only. I don't see a problem in that. You will need to get a gasket kit for your intake though.

 

They would be hyd. lifters in this engine, so it would be pretty likely that they are gone, a whole new set should be pretty cheep. About 85 bucks on summit, or like 12 bucks each. Than your looking at about 20 bucks for an intake gasket set.