Reply to "Technical question--camshaft--long version"

Mark,

I believe the "Monarch" camshaft is a Crower model, not Lunati, and is definately a solid lifter grind, based on memory.

Here's the dope. In general, solid lifter camshafts have more agressive lobes than hydraulic lifter camshafts. There are some modern hydraulic grinds that blurr the lines a bit, but in general that statement remains true.

The lifters designed for solid camshafts are designed to work with the more agressive camshaft lobes. Hydraulic lifters are designed to work with less agressive lobes.

So it is possible to run solid lifters on a hydraulic camshaft, but NOT vice versa. The solid lifter on a hydraulic camshaft is being "underworked". A hydraulic lifter on a solid camshaft is being "overworked" (kinda like me).

On top of that, due to valve train harmonics & dynamics, each lobe/lifter combination (solid verses hydraulic) requires a somewhat different spring. So even though you could put solid lifters on a hydraulic camshaft, the springs would have to be changed too, not just the lifters.

OKAY, enough of this theoretical stuff.

Your camshaft is a solid lifter, flat tappet camshaft, the only thing that will work with it is a solid, flat tappet lifter. Forget the hydraulic lifter idea. A solid/flat tappet lifter should be readily available at NAPA or other auto parts store by referencing a 1971 Boss 351 Mustang, or a 1969/1970 Boss 302 Mustang. Run break-in moly on the replacement lifter & ensure you're using oil with ZDDP in it. Shell Rotella, Chevron DELO 400. Preferably straight 30 weight, 15W40 will do in a pinch. New lifter on a worn-in lobe is a bad idea, but people do get away with it, so keep your fingers crossed.

Pull every lifter & check every lobe & lifter face, then put each lifter back in the lifter bore it came out of (this is critical). Any badly worn lobes or lifters will explain the knocking sound and bring this engine repair to a "grinding" hault.

The bent push rods are likely the result of (1) exhaust valve guides set too tight, or (2) engine ran at too high rpm, valves floated & kissed pistons.

It is not unusual for the valve lash of a new solid lifter camshaft to loosen quickly and require adjustment once during break in of the motor, but not over & over again.

The "dry" rocker assembly is most likely due to a mis-alignment of the hole in the push rod end with the hole in the cup of the rocker arm. This would be caused by something way out of spec on this valve/rocker/pushrod/lifter/camshaft lobe assembly. Like the lobe having been worn down; the push rod too short or too long; the valve stem too short or too long, the valve excessively recessed into the cylinder head.

I'm pulling for you, keep us informed how it goes. Good luck my friend!

take care, George