How to Clean Sticky Lifters

Tappet noises can be the result of a few different problems. Sometimes the problem stems from a worn cam lobe or a bent pushrod. Improper tappet adjustments, as well as physically damaged lifter bodies are also culprits. Many technicians agree that one of the leading causes of valve train noises are sticky valve lifters caused by sludge, resulting from poor maintenance. Cleaning sticky valve lifters is not a difficult thing to do after removing them from the engine.

Instructions

1

Place the lifter on a workbench, with the pushrod seat facing up. Compress the lifter by pressing down on the pushrod seat far enough to remove the retainer ring by prying it out of its seat with a small screwdriver. Use either an old pushrod or a Phillips screwdriver that has had the point of the Phillips head removed and rounded over, to compress the lifter.

2

Slowly release the compression pressure on the lifter to ensure that the pressure of the spring inside the lifter does not cause the lifter to disassemble rapidly, scattering its parts.

3

Clean all of the lifter parts by immersing them in an engine cleaning solvent and scrubbing them with a small, round, stiff-bristled brush. Rinse the solvent off the lifter parts with water, and dry all the parts thoroughly with a shop rag and/or compressed air from a portable air compressor.

4

Lubricate all the parts of the lifter by immersing them in motor oil before reassembling the lifter.

5

Reassemble the lifter, following the instructions in the lifter, or engine manufacturers shop manual.

6

Perform a leak down test with an appropriate leak down tester to ensure that oil does not flow out of the lifter too fast. If oil leaks out of the lifters at too high of a rate, hydraulic pressure on the pushrod and valve will be lost, resulting in poor internal lifter lubrication and decreased engine performance. Follow the instructions from the testers manufacturer, to ensure the performance of proper testing procedures, and that the lifters will perform within manufacturers specifications. Replace any defective lifters with new ones.

7

Repeat the process for all sticky lifters.