Dry lifter?
 

I have about 6k miles on a rebuilt 59A. I pulled the intake last night to double check valve adjustments. On the #5 intake lifter, I noticed its dry, not lubricated like the rest of them. See photo...

Any ideas on this?

Thanks Tim

Btw I found 6 ex valve a bit loose, 2 a bit tight. On the intake valves 2 were a lil loose too. All adjusted back to specs....

Re: Dry lifter?
 

Strange indeed, but I would not let it concern me. I would lube it though with something good and sticky like gear oil. Eventually it will lube by capillary action.

Re: Dry lifter?
 

How do the lifter bores get oiled? Is it just donated oil from down below?

Re: Dry lifter?
 

Should be oil all over inside the valley, that is why you need the baffles at the rear (fuel pump stand) to keep it from getting out. Does seem a little odd there isn't more oil in your valley area.

Re: Dry lifter?
 

I had a problem seeing what you were referring to until I enlarged the picture, when it became obvious. I believe you are referring to "#5" using the usual way of numbering cylinders, not the "Ford" way (where #5 would be in the front of the engine). With that cleared up, I too, find it kinda strange. I'd like to say just ignore it as well, but something about it makes me think you should look a little deeper into the situation.

Re: Dry lifter?
 

The valve retainer looks oily.

Re: Dry lifter?
 

Is it possible it's getting so hot that it's cooking the oil off?
Seems like a long shot......

Re: Dry lifter?
 

Was the dry one on the tight side ??
Any traces of metal in the oil ?
Galling between cam and lifter should leave some metal traces in the oil.