Lifter / Lash Adjuster: Service and Repair

Valve lifter exploded view:

Valve lifter installation:

Roller hydraulic lifters are used to reduce friction between valve lifter and camshaft lobe. Guides keep the lifters from rotating on the camshaft lobes, Figs. 11 and 12.

1. Remove cylinder head as described under CYLINDER HEAD REPLACE.
2. Remove valve guide clamps and guide plates.
3. Remove valve lifters through holes in cylinder head.
4. Reverse procedure to install.

Valve lifter guide plate inspection:

When diagnosing the cause of lifter noise, the following checks should be performed after the noise has been isolated to a specific cylinder:

1. Remove suspected cylinder's rocker arm assembly and pushrods.
2. Move each lifter up and down in bore using hydraulic lifter removal tool J-29834 or suitable magnet. Lifter must move up and down freely.
3. Remove clamp and guide as outlined.
4. Rotate lifter in bore. Lifter must rotate freely, without binding or sticking.
5. Remove lifter assembly, as outlined, check for wear and damage and replace as needed.
6. Inspect inner (contact) surface of lifter guide, Fig. 13, for burrs or sharp edges contacting lifter, and replace as needed.
7. Inspect outer surface of lifter guide for burrs or sharp edges that could contact engine block. Burrs or sharp edges on outer surfaces should be filed or ground off.
8. When reinstalling guide, use 2 long screwdrivers to lightly pry the paired guides toward each other while tightening clamp.
9. Reinstall lifters and check for free movement as in step 2.
10. Reassemble engine as outlined in appropriate procedure.