lifters

can collapsed lifters do any serious damage if not replaced?
i've got 1-2 that are bad, but dont have time to replace them now. am i causing any serious damage?
the engine is a 229cid 3.8L V-6, in an 84 caprice classic.

i hope i am not causing any serious damage, although, if i am, it just means that instead of Wanting to swap in a 350, I will Need a new 350...

:iceslolan :grinyes: :iceslolan :grinyes: :iceslolan :grinyes:

what is possible? Flattened cam lobes and damaged lifter bores. Worse case.

Actually worst case could be the lifter collapses enough to throw the pushrod off the lifter or rocker. In that case, the lifter can get thrown out of its bore which means and instant and total loss of oil pressure.

right now, it is just a consistant clacking at idle, but it has gotten worse, and a lot louder. i'm not really driving it now, since i am about 300 miles away at college. it is mostly being used to teach my lil sis how to drive (and if she hits ANYTHING, i swear...).

so what could the damage be if i continue to ignore it for a while,
definitely new engine?
this may be not so bad at all!!!
should i start shopping?