Re: Hydraulic Lifter Tick

Posted by Packard Don On 2024/1/9 15:31:25

These tiny lifters often don't respond well to chemical repair attempts (although it's worth a try) so the best remedy for peace of mind is to pull the head, then remove the valve in question. The lifter itself will pull right out from the top once the valve is out, then it can be tested and/or replaced. Having found three retainers in the pan, I would be inclined to check that each valve has both of them. Since it's obvious that the engine has been apart before, possibly the lifter gap was not performed which is done using a special gauge by grinding the seats or valve stems to get the proper gap. Unfortunately the person who made the gauge no longer does so, so not sure where to get one.

I will likely have to do the same on my 1954 Patrician's 359 although in its case the valve gap was properly set when it was rebuild back in the '80s. It's main problem is, as you described, a noisy lifter but it is only occasional and mostly at idle where the oil pressure is lower so probably just a sticky lifter from the decades of sitting.