Adjusting hydraulic lifters

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==How much preload should I use?==
 
==How much preload should I use?==
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[[File:Wrenchturn.gif|border|150px|left]]
 
[[File:Lifter cutaway preload.jpg|border|400px|right]]
 
[[File:Lifter cutaway preload.jpg|border|400px|right]]
The basic idea is to set the lifter plunger to the center of its travel. That gives the most leeway for temperature expansion/contraction. The amount of turns needed to set the plunger in the middle of its travel will vary from engine to engine because of differences in the thread pitch, rocker ratio, and lifter design. The old Chevy factory manuals said to use anywhere from 1 to 1-1/2 or more turns after zero lash, but this has largely been replaced by using 1/2 to 1 turn total. For instance, Comp Cams recommends 1/2 turn for regular SBC lifters.
 
  
The recommendation given below to use 1/2 to 1 turn past zero lash is based on what has been shown to work well on many engines when using stock or most performance hydraulic lifters. However, the amount of preload may be different, depending on the type and brand of hydraulic lifters being used as well as the reasons mentioned above. For example, there are Rhodes lifters that are set using a feeler gauge- something that's traditionally reserved for solid lifters. ''Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions first before proceeding''. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from those given here, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.  
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The basic idea is to set the lifter plunger to the center of its travel. That gives the most leeway for temperature expansion/contraction. The amount of turns needed to set the plunger in the middle of its travel will vary from engine to engine because of differences in the thread pitch, rocker ratio, and lifter design.
 +
 
 +
The old Chevy factory manuals said to use anywhere from 1 to 1-1/2 or more turns after zero lash, but this has largely been replaced by using 1/2 to 1 turn total. For instance, Comp Cams recommends 1/2 turn for regular SBC lifters.
 +
 
 +
The recommendation given to use 1/2 to 1 turn past zero lash is based on what has been shown to work well on many engines when using stock or most performance hydraulic lifters. However, the amount of preload may be different, depending on the type and brand of hydraulic lifters being used as well as the reasons mentioned above. For example, there are Rhodes lifters that are set using a feeler gauge- something that's traditionally reserved for solid lifters. ''Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions first before proceeding''. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from those given here, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.  
 
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Revision as of 18:52, 8 August 2012

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