Lifter / Lash Adjuster: Testing and Inspection

NOTES:
^ Irregular valve noise during cranking is normal.
^ Do not interchange hydraulic lifters. If necessary mark them when they are being removed.
^ Place lifters that have been removed on a clean surface with the contact surface (camshaft side) face down.
^ Malfunctioning lifters must be replaced (hydraulic lifters cannot be repaired).

- Start engine and let idle until warm.
Radiator coolant fan must come on at least once.
- Increase engine speed to approximately 2500 RPM for 2 minutes.
If the irregular valve noise stops, then occurs again each time vehicle is used in stop and go traffic:
- Replace oil check valves. Reference Engine Lubrication Service and Repair
If the irregular noise does NOT stop:
Locate faulty hydraulic lifter as follows:
- Remove cylinder head cover.
- Turn crankshaft clockwise (by hand) until cam lobe for lifter being checked is pointing upward.





- Push lifter down using wooden or plastic wedge.
If a feeler gauge thicker than 0.2 mm (0.008 inch) can be inserted between the camshaft and the lifter:
- Replace hydraulic lifter.

CAUTION:
^ After installing new or re-installing old lifters, and after installing the camshaft(s), the engine must not be started for at least 30 minutes. Otherwise the valves could strike the pistons.
^ After working on the valve train and lifters, crank the engine carefully by hand at least two full revolutions, to make sure that the valves do not strike the pistons.