Roller cam/lifters, noticing one lifter seems to be bleeding. In other words, after achieving zero lash, if I wait a little bit of time, the lash returns. Is this a bad lifter? Or one on its way out?

 

Also, is it mandatory to replace? If not, do I just work from where intitial zero lash is found, tighten 1 turn per manual, and let it be?

 

Why not take the lifter apart and clean it out?
If your heads have large enough holes next to where the pushrods go through, you can get the lifter(s) out with this magnet



and pull them out through the distributor hole (tip: pack a paper towel over the oil pump drive shaft after removing the distributor to prevent anything from falling down there). Much easier than removing the intake manifold.

 

I'm not seeing how that would work on a roller cam setup where you have to unbolt the spider to remove the dog bones....

GD

 

Crap, you're right. Forgot about that. But it does work with regular tappets. I have done it more than a few times.

 

I think the problem is the lifter is bleeding down too fast. I had cleaned the lifters and valve train when I replaced the valve seals. Its possible this one just isn't getting enough oil to it and the engine needs cranked over a few times to get some oil flowing thru it. This is my hope and dream anyway.....

Looking at all the other rocker arms, and after setting lash, they all seem to be screwed down about the same amount. So I am going to screw this one down about the same as the others and let that be my guide. If worst comes to worst, I'll have to open things back up again.

Anyone think this is a bad plan or have other ideas on how to get this worked out. I'm not in a position to crank engine over, but I guess I could connect everything up and try that. Don't have fuel system together, and don't really want to have gas come shooting out, maybe I could disconnect fuel relay. But even then, just too many connectors not connected right now, and dont like the idea of those loose connectors being energized.


whaaaaattttt???? And then I get this email from Hagerty just as soon as I return to my normal work. spooky!

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...esday_April_30

 

You'll find that certain lifters, when placed in the proper order for adjusting the lifter pre-load, will bleed down more than others. I've been through this many times.
Without any oil pressure (that is to say without running the engine first), this will be exacerbated. Adjust it as usual and leave it.

As for this:
Hagerty, Google, Thirdgen...they're all watching you.

 

Anyone think this is a bad plan or have other ideas on how to get this worked out.
Marvel Mystery Oil works great for lifters that are gummed up or might have a small piece of crap in them.

 

ha ha on that last one, thanks for chiming in on 1st - gives me confidence to move forward. But knowing this, makes me think that now I MUST come back and adjust after getting some oil pumped thru there......

 

Gotta love that name, sounds like something from the way back machine when they sold stuff from the back of stage coaches.

 

I would.
If it really bothers you, there's always the engine running adjustment method. Messy, yes. But you'll have greater certainty with your results. That is to say, if the suspect lifter is quiet on the initial adjustment but becomes.noisy, then you know you're on to something.

 

I actually prefer the engine running adjustment.... I even have a set of valve covers that the tops are cut out. Used with the clips that cover the oil holes on the rockers, it is almost mess free. Almost..... The tips of the rockers still toss some oil.

 

Then you will love this ad: