Lifter / Lash Adjuster: Testing and Inspection

Hydraulic lifters, checking

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
^ Feeler gauges
^ Wood or plastic wedge

Note:
^ Only replace a hydraulic lifter completely (cannot be adjusted or repaired).
^ Irregular valve noises when starting the engine are normal.

Work sequence
- Start engine and run until radiator coolant fan has switched on once.
- Increase engine speed to about 2500 rpm for approx. 2 minutes.

If hydraulic lifters are still noisy, locate faulty lifter(s) as follows:
- Remove intake manifold upper part.

Note:
^ Seal the intake ports in the intake manifold lower part with a clean cloth.

- Remove cylinder head cover.
- Rotate crankshaft clockwise, until cam lobe of lifter to be checked is pointing upward.
- Determine play between cam and lifter.

If the play is in excess of 0.2 mm:
- Replace hydraulic lifter.

If the play is less than 0.1 mm or no play, proceed with check as follows:





- Push lifter down lightly with a wooden or plastic wedge. If a 0.2 mm thick feeler gauge can be pushed between camshaft and lifter, replace lifter.

Note:
^ After installing new hydraulic lifters the engine must not be started for approx. 30 minutes. Hydraulic compensation elements must settle (otherwise valves will strike pistons).