Do lifters need pumped up before adjusting rockers?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,488
Likes: 4
From: Frostburg MD
Do lifters need pumped up before adjusting rockers?
If a car has been sitting for several months without being started, do you have to pump up the hyd lifters before adjusting the rocker arms? If so, how do you do this? BTW, the intake manifold is currently off, so starting the car won't work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,088
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From: Lakeland fl
Re: Do lifters need pumped up before adjusting rockers? (shotchkiss)
Assuming we are talking hydraulic lifters- with the lifter in the lowermost position- "twist" the corresponding pushrod with your fingers and tighten the jambnut until you just start to feel resistance. Do each one this way- only while the lifter is in the lowermost position. You will have to turn the engine over to accomplish it. This will get you close without overtightening. When the engine is startable- run the engine and either remove one valve cover at a time and work quick or make a "valve adjustment" valve cover by cutting the top out of it and bolt it in place to minimize oil flinging/leakage.
When the engine is running loosen each one until it "clicks" then tighten it until it stops"clicking" and go an extra 1/4 turn tighter. DONE.
I have done it this way for years, it seems the best and most accurate for me.
When the engine is running loosen each one until it "clicks" then tighten it until it stops"clicking" and go an extra 1/4 turn tighter. DONE.
I have done it this way for years, it seems the best and most accurate for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Do lifters need pumped up before adjusting rockers? (shotchkiss)
If a car has been sitting for several months without being started, do you have to pump up the hyd lifters before adjusting the rocker arms? If so, how do you do this? BTW, the intake manifold is currently off, so starting the car won't work.
Just make sure that the lifter is on the base circle of the lobe when you set the preload. It's best to use the preload that is recommended by the camshaft manufacturer.
CompCams recommends .030 +/-.010 on any hydraulic lifter camshaft.
Hope this helps.
Jake
