Valves Not Sealing

[andrewjscott]

Well, I had to get a new head as my old one was cracked. The new one arrived and I put my lifters, and rocker arms and cams in it (came with valves, springs ect). but when i torque down the camshaft caps, the valves stay open, in all cylinders, nomatter what the cam position (the valves do move, they just don't completely seal). There is about 10 thousandth gap between the valve and the seat. I don't think this is normal, and any opinions on what to do would be great.

 

[ddavisaf]

How old are the springs and cams?

 

[project_tsi]

I had the exact same problem as you. Turns out, over time, they will seat properly. But it was because of the Hydraulic lifters. They get hard, and don't compress/expand like they should. So instead of chancing it and letting mine seat over time, I bought some new "3g non-ticking lifters. I primed them w/ a jar of oil and installed them. The valves then set immediatly, properly, and I didn't have to worry about them again.

So the problem is in your lifters, b/c they are old, some are getting hard and not moving correctly, thus causing the valves to not seat, b/c the lifter will no compress. Over time, constant pressure on the lifter will couse it to seat again, but replacing them is your best bet, and get some no-tickers too!

 

[andrewjscott]

the lifters are out of my old head and they worked fine. They were only in my car a few weeks ago. Could they still be "old"

Also I'm pretty poor right now as this summer I had to:
do a rebuild
get new head (cracked)
clutch

and I just paid my tuition

How much are the 3g lifters and where can I get them cheap. I'm in Canada so usually shipping kills me.

I also have another set of lifters available, should I switch those out?

 

[project_tsi]

My lifters were so called good too when I removed them. Then upon re-installation, is when the shit hit the fan. So yes, they are still old. If your cheap, you can try putting them in a vice and breaking them free, but who's to say thats going to last?

You can find the set of lifters from alot of our vendors, for close to $150 a set, give or take a few bucks.

http://slowboyracing.com/more.php?id=1142&
http://www.diamondstarmotorsport.com/maintengine.shtml

 

[andrewjscott]

well, it may come to that, but I really don't have the money so I guess i'll have to wait. There is not a difference in lifters besides the bigger hole at the top, is there? Like there is no difference in height...right?

 

[andrewjscott]

I went back to go change the lifters and all the valves are right where they should be. I guess I am just not patient enough. Seems that the lifters settled and everything is fine.

 

[BISHILVR]

Yeah, they will usually bleed down over time if you just give them a chance.

 

[project_tsi]

I went back to go change the lifters and all the valves are right where they should be. I guess I am just not patient enough. Seems that the lifters settled and everything is fine.

Just like I had said. Hope everything works out w/ the head job.