Club 80-90 Forums

I recently adjusted my tappets for the first time and found most needed adjustment (surprised as I thought Hydraulic lifters were self adjusting!)

My first concern is whether the lifters were pumped before I adjusted them - I tried to run the engine for a good long time prior to adjustment, how can I be sure they were primed?

My second concern is that the exhaust valve on #3 was particularly far out - the inlet on that cylinder was bad too, but I had to wind the adjustment screw almost to the limit of its travel on the exhaust. Does that indicate a knackered lifter? Or just that it wasn't primed?

...or is it an indicator of impending valve doom and to be booked into the garage at the earliest opportunity?

Cheers,
Dickie

It does read like a collapsed/unprimable lifter.

It is also a myth that lifters self adjust without ever needing input throughout their life.
Priming should happen within the first 10 seconds.
Poor oil quality, poor oil pressure, blocked oil holes and worn lifter return springs affect this time.
Ideally done as per the R Atwell guide http://www.ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

Ta Kev. I have read that page numerous times and always find something new to confuse me on it...

Forgive my inestimable ignorance, but if it's collapsed, should I adjust the tappet as if it's a solid lifter and just drive around like that?

no you should replace it

Am I alright to just replace the one or should I replace both lifters that run on that cam lobe? Mr Atwell seems to have valid concerns about wear profiles.