Adjusting hydraulic lifters

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#Lifter height due to different manufacturer
 
#Lifter height due to different manufacturer
 
#Change in rocker arm type or design, or ratio
 
#Change in rocker arm type or design, or ratio
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[[File:Lifter cutaway preload.jpg|border|400px|right]]
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==How much preload should I use?==
 
==How much preload should I use?==
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[[File:Lifter cutaway preload.jpg|border|400px|right]]
 
The recommendation given below to use 1/2 to 1 turn past zero lash is based on what has been shown to work well when using stock or performance hydraulic lifters. However, the amount of preload may be different, depending on the type and brand of hydraulic lifters being used. For example, there are Rhodes lifters that are set using a feeler gauge- something that's traditionally reserved for solid lifters. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions first before proceeding. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from those given here, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.  
 
The recommendation given below to use 1/2 to 1 turn past zero lash is based on what has been shown to work well when using stock or performance hydraulic lifters. However, the amount of preload may be different, depending on the type and brand of hydraulic lifters being used. For example, there are Rhodes lifters that are set using a feeler gauge- something that's traditionally reserved for solid lifters. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions first before proceeding. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from those given here, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.  
 
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==Should I "pump up" my lifters with oil before installing them?==
 
==Should I "pump up" my lifters with oil before installing them?==
 
Generally speaking, no. The lifters can be dipped into a container of oil but unless the manufacturer's instructions tell you otherwise, there's no need to pump the lifters up before installing them.
 
Generally speaking, no. The lifters can be dipped into a container of oil but unless the manufacturer's instructions tell you otherwise, there's no need to pump the lifters up before installing them.
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==Before beginning you will need to know:==
 
==Before beginning you will need to know:==
===The firing order===
 
*[http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Category:Firing_orders Firing orders of various engines]
 
*The Chevy V8 is <font size="4">1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2</font>
 
 
[[File:Chev sb bb v8 firing order.jpg|right|frame]]
 
[[File:Chev sb bb v8 firing order.jpg|right|frame]]
  
===The direction the distributor rotates===  
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===The firing order and the direction the distributor rotates===
*The small block Chevy V8 is <font size=4>CW</font>  
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*[http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Category:Firing_orders Firing orders and distributor rotation of various engines]
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*The Chevy V8 firing order is <font size="4">1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2</font>
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*The Chevy V8 distributor rotation is <font size=4>CW</font>  
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===The order of the valves as they are located in the cylinder head===  
 
===The order of the valves as they are located in the cylinder head===  
 
*The small block Chevy V8 is <font size=4>E - I - I - E - E - I - I - E </font>  
 
*The small block Chevy V8 is <font size=4>E - I - I - E - E - I - I - E </font>  
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==The adjustment procedure==
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==Adjusting hydraulic lifters for proper preload==
The following adjustment procedure is based on instructions originally from Crane Cams. It is recognized by many as being the "go-to" method of valve adjustment. This method also works on any OHV engine using hydraulic lifters that has an adjustable valve train. Some possible differences between various engines are the:
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The following adjustment procedure is based on instructions originally from Crane Cams. It is recognized by many as being the "go-to" method of valve adjustment. This method also works on any OHV engine using hydraulic lifters that has an adjustable valve train.  
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Some possible differences between various engines are the:
 
*Firing order
 
*Firing order
 
*Order of the valves in the cylinder head
 
*Order of the valves in the cylinder head
*Number of turns to set the preload
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*Number of turns to set the preload (this determines the distance of the lifter plunger below the retainer)
*Distance of the plunger below the retainer
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==Adjusting hydraulic lifters for proper preload==
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=='''EO/IC''' Method ('''E'''xhaust '''O'''pening/'''I'''ntake '''C'''losing)==
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==='''EO/IC''' Method ('''E'''xhaust '''O'''pening/'''I'''ntake '''C'''losing)===
 
*'''In order to adjust the preload, the lifter must be properly located on the base circle or "Heel" of the lobe.'''  
 
*'''In order to adjust the preload, the lifter must be properly located on the base circle or "Heel" of the lobe.'''  
 
At this position the valve is closed and there is no lift taking place. You will need to watch the movement of the valves to determine when the lifter is properly positioned for adjusting.  
 
At this position the valve is closed and there is no lift taking place. You will need to watch the movement of the valves to determine when the lifter is properly positioned for adjusting.  
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'''3.''' Back off the intake rocker arm adjuster and remove any tension from the pushrod. Wait a minute or two for that hydraulic lifter' push rod seat to return to the "up" position. The spring inside the lifter will move the pushrod seat up against the retaining lock if you give it time to do so. (If you are installing brand new lifters they will be in the "up" position when they come in the box.)  
 
'''3.''' Back off the intake rocker arm adjuster and remove any tension from the pushrod. Wait a minute or two for that hydraulic lifter' push rod seat to return to the "up" position. The spring inside the lifter will move the pushrod seat up against the retaining lock if you give it time to do so. (If you are installing brand new lifters they will be in the "up" position when they come in the box.)  
  
'''4.''' Now spin the intake pushrod with your fingers while tightening down the rocker arm. When you feel a slight resistance to the turning of the pushrod, you are at '''zero lash'''. (If you are uncertain that you are feeling when all the lash has been removed (the "zero lash" point), jiggling the push rod up and down can give a better sense of when all the clearance has been removed.) Turn the adjusting nut down one half to one full turn from that point. Lock the adjuster into position if using polyloks. The intake is now adjusted properly.  
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'''4.''' Now spin the intake pushrod with your fingers while tightening down the rocker arm. When you feel a slight resistance to the turning of the pushrod, you are at '''zero lash'''.  
<p>'''NOTE:''' If using stock-type lock nuts, no further action is required. Do be sure to use new lock nuts if using that type; old lock nuts can back off and the preload will be lost. Do not use lock nuts on aftermarket studs or the threads will be damaged. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.</p>    
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'''5.''' Continue to hand turn the engine, watching that same intake. It will go to full open and then begin to close.When it is almost closed, stop and adjust the exhaust rocker arm on that particular cylinder. (Again, when we see the intake almost closed, we are sure that exhaust lifter is on the base circle of the lobe.) Loosen the exhaust rocker arm and follow the same procedure described before in steps 3 and 4 to adjust this rocker arm.  
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'''NOTE:''' If you are uncertain that you are feeling when all the lash has been removed (the "zero lash" point), '''jiggling the push rod up and down can give a better sense of when all the clearance has been removed'''.  
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'''5.'''Turn the adjusting nut down one half to one full turn from the zero lash point. Lock the adjuster into position if using polyloks. The intake is now adjusted properly.  
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'''NOTE:''' If using stock-type lock nuts, be sure to use new lock nuts; old lock nuts can back off and the preload will be lost. Do not use stock type lock nuts on aftermarket studs or the threads will be damaged. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.   
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'''6.''' Continue to hand turn the engine, watching that same intake. It will go to full open and then begin to close.When it is almost closed, stop and adjust the exhaust rocker arm on that particular cylinder. (Again, when we see the intake almost closed, we are sure that exhaust lifter is on the base circle of the lobe.) Loosen the exhaust rocker arm and follow the same procedure described before in steps 3 and 4 to adjust this rocker arm.  
  
 
'''6.''' Both valves on this cylinder are now adjusted, and you can move on to your next cylinder and follow the same procedure again.
 
'''6.''' Both valves on this cylinder are now adjusted, and you can move on to your next cylinder and follow the same procedure again.

Revision as of 23:34, 2 June 2012

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