Lifter / Lash Adjuster: Testing and Inspection

Hydraulic valve lifters, checking

Special tools and repair equipment required
^ Feeler gauge
^ Wooden or plastic wedge

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

Work 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. Location of oil retention valve: in oil filter holder -6-.

If hydraulic lifters are still noisy, locate faulty lifters as follows:
- Remove cylinder head cover.
- Rotate crankshaft until lobes on 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 sound insulation and turn crankshaft clockwise by applying wrench 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.

Note:
^ 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.