Hydraulic lifters. Restart of a long idle engine

[SyncroMatt]

Evening all,

My 2.1dj bus has sat idle for many years. It ran well without issue before storage.

I popped the valve covers today and unsurprisingly the lifters have gone soft.

Is there a way to adjust the lash on a soft lifter or is it a case of start her up and let it rattle, then adjust when primed and warm?

I'd rather not have to pull the lifters to prime them as I don't have telescopic push rod tubes on at present.

Cheers Matt.

[Stesaw]

The general consensus to run the engine and go for a 20min drive, that should pump them back up. If they stay drained then you might have to remove/replace/refill.
Might be worth doing an oil change and filter before going out after a long rest? Just a thought.

[SyncroMatt]

It's getting a thorough going through top to bottom.

15 years is a long rest. So a test drive won't be possible immediately.

I did read a post about backing the adjusters off to just touching rather than preloaded but thought I'd garner opinions.

Matt

[Stesaw]

Good to hear it's having an overhaul.
I'd imagine one of the engine gurus should see your post and say what's best. Mine got tappity after leaving it sit for a while and by just letting idle seemed to make it go quiet quite quickly.

[silverbullet]

Change the oil for something light like 10W40, take the spark plugs out and disconnect the fuel pump as well as the coil (you dont want a flashover fire!)
Crank it over repeatedly to refill the oil galleries, lifters and get the pressure up before trying to start it.
I'd leave the rocker adjustment welll alone.

[SyncroMatt]

Sounds wise, it's been so long I can't remember what weight oil i had in there. Seems there is a range of consensus on oil weight theses days.

[Stesaw]

15 40 mineral I believe

[sarran1955]

Hello

Change the oil for something light like 10W40, take the spark plugs out and disconnect the fuel pump as well as the coil (you dont want a flashover fire!)
Crank it over repeatedly to refill the oil galleries, lifters and get the pressure up before trying to start it.
I'd leave the rocker adjustment welll alone.

WHS^^^

Worth bearing in mind, once the spark plugs are out a little oil in the cylinders will do no harm.
You may also find that the rocker screws and locknuts are very tight.
Have a spare battery handy, as you are going to be cranking over for a bit....
Stand on the clutch when cranking..
I prefer to use a 5 litre petrol container on startup with fresh fuel..

Finger crossed..

Cordialement,


 

[SyncroMatt]

Thanks all for the advice,. Thankfully I've managed to dry store the van so the engine turns easily etc.

I've already had the tank out for a flush and new fuel lines, pump and filter and I'm presently going over the engine similarly.

Valve train looks in good shape and not bound up.

Pleasantly surprised how easily things are coming apart after such a long lay up.

Matt

[silverbullet]

I advise against standing on clutch, a surefire way to wreck the crank thrust washer!
You'll soon know if the clutch is stuck, apply handbrake and chock the wheels, go easy on the first attempt to find a gear

[davidoft1]

I advise against standing on clutch, a surefire way to wreck the crank thrust washer!
You'll soon know if the clutch is stuck, apply handbrake and chock the wheels, go easy on the first attempt to find a gear

How would a stuck clutch cause a broken thrust washer ? Genuine question