31 series 60 (272) valve train assembly

[autodeco57]

A pushrod supplier told me that a lot of owners eliminate the spring down at the bottom of the pushrod that bears directly on the roller tappet keeping it hard against the cam. Has anyone heard of this or done it? Is the advantage to reduce wear on the cam lobes? Any gain or loss in performance? Any downside to doing it? An advisable mod or not? 

 

Steve Gorthy BCA #44510

[Bob Engle]

I have seen these removed on several engines.  I think that not using the spring will tend to cause wear on the camshaft.  The purpose of the spring is to keep the lifter roller in contact with the cam at all times so you only have rolling friction.  I can think of no good reason for removing the springs.  I believe the removal was done out of convenience by shade tree mechanics. A number of other items frequently left off are spark plug covers, carburetor heat shield and Wizzard control valves.  The last is the only one that has no practical value if you do not use the system.

 

Bob Engle