Just had head resurfaced, Do I need to bleed lifters

[gieri002]

Ok, so I just got done putting my car back together after my first head swap, I haven't tried starting it because I just remembered that somebody told me that I NEED to bleed my lifters before I can start it. Is this true or just a myth, I really want to go see if it will start, but do I need to go take it back apart first?

 

[Calan]

You just need to make sure that the lifters aren't full of oil. If so, they could potentially cause a bent valve if they lock up (become "solid") when the motor is started.

They will usually bleed down themselves after sitting for a while, as long as the oil galleys in them aren't plugged. It wouldn't hurt to make sure though.

 

[gieri002]

Calan, you are awesome, I've only made a few posts, but you seem to come to the rescue everytime!

 

[Calan]

Calan, you are awesome, I've only made a few posts, but you seem to come to the rescue everytime!

Ummm...well... that means that either I just happened to randomly catch your post, or I need to get a life

Here's what I usually do... submerge them in a jar of diesel or gas, and using a large paper clip (or equivalent), push the plunger up and down several times (by carefully sticking the pin in the hole in the end) to fill and empty them with the gas while submerged. Then take them out and do the same thing until all of the gas is out and they can be compressed easily. I then repeat the same process in motor oil to make sure they are lubed up, but not full of oil.

If the cams and everything are assembled, you should be able to just push down on the rocker end that is sitting over the lifters, and make sure they compress easily. If you find one that won't compress, pull it out and free it up with the above procedure.

EDIT:

It should seem obvious, but I guess it doesn't hurt to mention...

You'll only be able to check the lifters on the cylinders where the cam isn't opening the valves. If the cam lobes are putting pressure on a cylinder's rockers/valves, just rotate the motor a bit (CW!) until the cam lobes are off that cylinder's valves, and then you can check those lifters.

 

[gieri002]

Thanks man, Your a HUGE help!

 

[Calan]

NP... good luck!

 

[DSM1G90]

..an follow this link to the letter, or disaster will happen...

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-engine-fuel/265060-how-replace-lash-adjusters-lifters.html ..

Good luck - DSM

 

[bigBOOSTINgst]

Nice link, that's exactly what I needed!