Push Rod Play/hydraulic issue

[PeeSG]

Hi all

Got a 1.9 wbx 1983

r/h push rod on cylinder 1 is not touching the rocker when on tdc and also fully wound out ie. no more thread.



Had a breakdown the other day, loss of power, engine still ran, but no power to go up even the slightest of inclines.

Checked sparks, changed HT's, did apreliminary compression test but didnt do it how its supposed to be done so the readings were all over the place. Was advised to adjust the tappets as per the haynes but only do 1.5 turn, and i couldnt even get that on cylinder one due to the above pic. Pushrod doesnt sit in the cup even on full wound in thread.

Any help appreciated, i have no knowledge of engines and am learning.

Is it a head off job and hydraulic follower issue???

Cheers all, i am bit out of my depth so could do with some help.

PSG

[kevtherev]

I would say the lifter has collapsed.
You can get them out without removing the head.
remove the rocker assembly
remove the pushrod
remove the tube
get a valve grinding tool and use it to pull out the lifter.
tricky but not impossible.

you'll need a new telescopic tube or try to find some original type

A proper compression test will confirm if it's the valve or not
My money is on the lifter

[PeeSG]

Can you fix a lifter or is it just replace it? Cant do a compression test as it has stopped running completely now. Wont start. Think it is something to do with my re-setting of the tappets. But i did it by the book so not sure really.

[kevtherev]

Can you fix a lifter or is it just replace it?

not really fixable, the spring inside has collapsed..... or the oiling hole has completely sealed up with crap, twice yearly oil changes as VW recommended stops that happening, if that is the case then it is fixable


cheap enough to replace
personally if you can afford to, I would replace the lot.

[itchyfeet]

That doesn't look like no1 cylinder, looks like 2, if you are not doing it in the right order it would do that.

[PeeSG]

I thought 1 and 2 were the other way round???

[itchyfeet]

Nope so thats why it won't run
you need to go back and set preload in the right order.

[PeeSG]

ok that will be why it doesnt run. But that wont solve the pushrod not reaching the cup on the tappet would it? I still need to investigate that further dont i?

[itchyfeet]

Yes thinking about it some more it shouldn't do that even if you are working on the wrong cylinder.

[kevtherev]

The lifter plunger can travel 4mm.
It does seem like yours has stuck or collapsed.

[PeeSG]

but if its not in its cup on the rocker arm at normal setting, then there is something wrong surely?

[itchyfeet]

Yes agree with kev probably knackered tappet

[PeeSG]

You mean nackered follower?

[itchyfeet]

Yes tappet/lifter/follower same thing
if you take the rocker shaft off (two m8 nuts) you can then get hold of the pushrod and see if there is any spring in the tappet/lifter/follower, it should be solid

Telescopic push rod tubes are 20 quid a pop so not so expensive, crush the old tube out and hook the tappet out and see whats going on.
http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/t ... l?___SID=U" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[PeeSG]

Cheers @itchyfeet i haev a telescopic tube in the workshop from doing the tube on the other side that was broken when i bought it, so thats no cost which is good. Going to inspect all of the pushrod cups in the rocker arms to make sure none of the others have the same problem before i start. Then i just need to get a hydraulic follower - if this one is broken. If it is just clogged i will see if i can free it. Do they take much force to compress? I am guessing that they do, but not seen one out before, only ever removed a solid one before.