Lifter / Lash Adjuster: Testing and Inspection

Hydraulic valve lifters, checking
Special tools and repair equipment required
^ Feeler gauge
^ Wooden or plastic wedge

Notes:
^ Hydraulic valve lifters cannot be repaired.
^ Irregular valve noises when starting engine are normal.

Test sequence
^ Start engine and run until coolant temperature reaches approximately 80°C
^ Increase engine speed to about 2500 RPM for 2 minutes, if necessary perform test drive.

Note:
^ If irregular valve noises stop but recur repeatedly during short trips, oil retention valve must be replaced. Fitting location of oil retention valve: in oil filter holder.
^ If hydraulic lifters are still noisy, locate defective lifters as follows:

^ Remove cylinder head cover.
^ Rotate crankshaft until cams of lifters to be checked are pointing upward:
^ Vehicles with manual transmission: push vehicle forward with 4th gear engaged and ignition switched off.
^ Vehicles with automatic transmission: remove noise insulation and turn crankshaft clockwise by applying spanner to central bolt on crankshaft sprocket.
^ Measure play between cam and valve lifter.





^ Use wooden or plastic wedge to push down valve lifter. Replace valve lifter if an 0.20 mm feeler gauge can be inserted between camshaft and valve lifter.
^ Replacing valve lifter - Removing and installing camshafts and cam shaft adjuster.

Notes:
^ After installing camshafts, engine must not be started for approximately 30 minutes. Hydraulic valve compensation elements have to settle (otherwise valves will strike pistons).
^ After working on valve gear, turn engine carefully at least 2 rotations to ensure that none of the valves make contact when starter is operated.