lifter problem
 

Bought a new 454 motor had only dyno time .Took boat out for first time motor was not running good.Removed valve cover,found #8 exhaust valve not moving,found that cam wore though lifter.What would cause this?

2 things. Due to the federal government and emissions laws, the sulpher in engine oil additive packages has been removed. Sulpher was a lubricant that helped with flat tappets. Since OEMS now have gone to hyd. roller cams, the Gov. has forced the oil companies to remove this from oil... that is one reason we have experienced so many failures over the last 2 years. The other is we have had 3 major lifter mfg. go out of business or move production over seas. Consequently the product out there has lost the quality it once had, mainly the proper crown on the lifter for rotation. To avoid problem I would suggest going to a hyd. roller.

Chris

It could have just not been broken in right.. If they didnt preoil.. and get it to fire right away.. then up to 2500 rpms it can take out a lobe.. do a tear down. or take it back to the builder.. the piston skirts will be full of metal.
Sorry, but thats what happens.. I am using Joe shuebeck liftrs.. big money. but no problems so far..

Good luck
Dick