kevin12973

What is a good way to check the lifters while they are out of the cam tower? I would like to but them back in the engine with confidence they are working properly. Thanks

V2Rocket

wipe the dirt off and stick them in a container filled with oil so they don't drain out.

im sure some other folks will chime in here, but i've never even bothered to check lifter condition on all the cars i've worked on in the last 11 years.

i don't believe they "go bad"...there's nothing inside them to fail, the only thing that could go wrong is not pumping up all the way with oil indicating a blocked passage...

kevin12973

So if I can push down on the lifter and they move are they bad? I thought they are soppesed to be stiff? All of mine are in oil and can push down the piston. All plugged check valves???

Dougs951S

you need the put the lifters in an airtight container with a fitting on the lid, and apply ~10-15psi air pressure and then let them sit, If they dont get stiff after that, it may indicate a problem.

konakat

The check valve should prevent the oil from coming out, so if they are soft, just replace them. Plyhammer sells them used for a couple bucks each.

944crazy

Don't forget the container should be full of oil.

kevin12973

Thanks guys! I think I can use Vans vacuum setup to pull air out of them and see if they are ok. Unfortunately, Van is in Texas racing right now. I won't say what he is racing but it's not even German! Gasp!

V2Rocket

Van's got a fast little US shopping cart..

kevin12973

Yes he does. Hope he doesn't develop a taste for LS power.

neunfünfeins

Well sure they can go bad and the check valve can fail, although the "failure" is almost always due to crud or sludge causing the check valve to stick or not close properly, as opposed to actual wear.

This results in "collapsed lifter" - won't hold pressure, aka "goes soft".
Or "lazy lifter" - takes seconds or minutes to pump up to correct clearance and quit tapping after startup.

This is why it's typically recommended to clean and check them.

I have never stored lifters in oil though. There's no reason to. They don't float in an oil bath when the engine is shut off, right?

If you pressurize them to test, them make sure you've compressed/drained them before installing. Otherwise, you run the risk of over-pumping them, and if you install them like that, your valves won't seat properly. You're supposed to let engine oil pressure pump them up to the correct clearance, naturally. They don't need to be "primed" nor should they be for the same reason.

And since nobody mentioned it...
If you're reusing lifters (and cam), make sure to put them back into them same bores they came out of, so that they match up with their original cam lobe wear patterns.

KVDR

Does anyone know if this video is applicable to our style of lifters?

Jeff951NJ

Funny you should say LS / Van / 944 in one sentence... There might be very fast concoction coming out of his garage this spring.

Tiger03447

I don't know if these are Porsche or not.. Since he refers to VW in the subscript. However they appear to be an INA lifted like we use

Van

Sheesh! Go away for a weekend, and look at all the rumors!


Egg cartons are great for labeling and keeping lifters organized.

kevin12973

KVDR, wow! Thanks for sharing that video. I think I will give this a try. I got three engines to practice on lol.
Van, when your not around to defend yourself, don't be surprised when folks start talking. Its too
cold up here and we get bored locked up inside.