What do i need to do to insure my Monte with 153K will last?

[Uncletruck]

The 4.3 V6 has standard (non-roller) hydraulic lifters just like the small block Chevy V8 family, in fact it's more or less a SBC minus two cylinders.

The reason your '78 engine's cam developed a flat spot is because a large number of cams used in 1978 Chevy 305's and 350's were defective, this was referred to as the "soft cam syndrome" at the time. GM claimed it was happening due to owners using the wrong types of oil, they were issued a class action lawsuit due to the problem. Some of these soft cam engines are still out there, I bought a '78 Cutlass with a 305 back in 1998 and its cam lobes were worn down to nearly nothing. I haven't bought a G body yet that I haven't had to replace the original cam and lifters due to either lobe wear or the bottoms of the lifters being cracked or scored. When they start getting the threshing machine sound, it's usually that time.

-UT-

 

[xminnis]

hydraulic lifters yeah im pretty sure thats what he said it had. Ok that makes me feel better about that defective 78 305's because thats what my other monte carlo had, thanks. But you think i will need to replace the cam in my 86 too? what do you mean by threshing machine sound?

 

[Uncletruck]

If you hear a lot of ticking noise up by the valve covers, it indicates components in the valve train are getting worn such as the lifters, cam and rocker arms. This wear doesn't necessarily come from high mileage but from when the engine sits for long periods of time without running, and then starting up "dry," with no oil on the valvetrain components. If the car is used regularly, these are probably OK. The 4.3 was one of the later engines used in the G bodies, and was built a bit tighter than many of the late 70's to early 80's GM engines, and with regular care should get to 200k miles easily. It is also a fairly simple engine to work on if minor repairs are needed such as cam, lifters or timing chain.

-UT-

 

[jrm81bu]

"Soft cam syndrome"? Sounds like a little viagra would fix that. :lol:

 

[pontiacgp]

"Soft cam syndrome"? Sounds like a little viagra would fix that. :lol:

but if it stayed hard for more than 4 hours would he need to call a mechanic? ...:shock:

 

[jrm81bu]

"Soft cam syndrome"? Sounds like a little viagra would fix that. :lol:

but if it stayed hard for more than 4 hours would he need to call a mechanic? ...:shock:

It might be a good idea!

 

[Uncletruck]

The soft cams weren't only in '78 engines as my post insinuated, but were in Chevrolet produced 305 and 350 engines produced between 1975 and 1980. During those years GM was dealing with 4 big class action law suits- one for the Chevy cam problems, one for problems with the Olds built 350 diesels, one for faulty TH200 trannies, and one dealing with a multitude of problems with the Chevy Vega model. They truly were GM's junk years.

-UT-

 

[andrewmp6]

Any car can last a long time if you take good care of it and don't dog it.