parkerizing is to hold oil  it does not harden

> Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2013 19:57:28 -0500
> From: mbucchino@CHARTER.NET
> Subject: Re: Old Hydraulic WBX Lifters
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> I have rebuilt many VW engines and used reground lifters most every
> time.  They aren't ground square, that won't allow the lifter to turn
> with each cycle.  They are ground with a very slight dome shape.  One
> way to tell if lifters are worn is to place two lifter faces together.
> If they sit flat against each other, they need replacement or
> regrinding.  They should rock a little when they have the proper dome
> shape.  The main problem with regrounff lifters is that the surface
> hardening, nitriding or Parkerizing is only about 3 thousandths deep.  A
> regrind to get this slight rock back will take them beyond this hardened
> surface into the softer, normal metal below.  So, some folks have them
> Parkerized again after grinding for longest life. Some rebuilders don't
> care if you get the longest life out of your rebuild.  Some rebuilders
> try to maximize profits while minimizing what you get for what your
> paying.  Remember, you don't always get what you pat for, but you always
> pay for what you get.  As always, Caveat Emptor!
> 
> Mike B.
> 
> On 2/4/2013 7:41 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> > Back in the old days of engine rebuilding lifters were rarely replaced. The
> > only real wear item is the face which in many engines will wear in and seat
> > to the cam. The faces can be ground square and like new again on a "surface
> > grinder". Waterboxer lifters are available new for a reasonable price. So
> > except for saving a few to deal with a real failure in an otherwise healthy
> > engine they may just be taking up space. To use this way you also need those
> > collapsible pushrod tubes. If storing them keep them submerged in some type
> > of oil or solvent so they don't rust.
> >
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> > Kenneth Lewis
> > Sent: Monday, February 4, 2013 12:32 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Old Hydraulic WBX Lifters
> >
> > Is there any sense in saving these?
> >
> >   Cleaning out the garage this weekend I found a large coffee can  full of
> > them.
> >
> > Ken