Evening. Some of my lifters keep going squashy and I'm starting to think the problem may be elsewhere. I've replaced them, only to have the new ones do the same. How do I check that my oil pump is working efficiently? Any other suggestions?
Oil will seep out of the lifters that that are holding the valves open over extended periods, also if the tappets are not set at the required 2 turn preload thay can drain down quicker.
They're the most hateful things ever invented, nothing but trouble. I've changed mine a couple of times and done it by the book but they still pump down.
This may be worth a look, if you did not already know of this resource. http://www.ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html I can imagine that if you have a small amount of air getting into the oil pickup from the sump (air leak on pump intake pickup pipe?) , that would make the lifters lose pressure when cold if they get air in them. Maybe a change in brand of oil or weight of oil might help. Or as Mayor Atwell says it may just need fresh oil.
Err what oil...ours seem to prefer 20/50 over 10/40. One in particular, on the left hand side looking in (3 & 4), had an occasional epi when I switched to 15/40 after the top end rebuild. All good now with slightly thicker oil. There, I've said it....
Thanks. A guy I work with who knows his engines (although not air cooled) said the same, so I think it's worth a try. I'm currently using 15/40. Please do not turn this into a "which oil?" argument!
I must say I always used 15/40 on my newly rebuilt 2.0 Type 4 and always found the tappets drained after leaving overnight. Since I have changed to 20W/50 it does seems to have solved the problem. I used Westways's High ZDDP Oil too to reduce Cam Wear. Do still check the tappet clearances at least every year. I got 1.5 turns in from touching. And always use new Gaskets too.
