I was actually scared there for a second. I thought I missed that he said he DID replace the lifters. That would not be a good thing to do since Cam and Lifters need to be together at all times.

If one goes, the other goes. You can't install new lifters on an already broke in cam. When you break in the cam the lifters are broke in with it.

If a rod is not seated properly on a lifter, trust me you'll know it. there's 12 rods, you're going to know if one, or even a few, are not seated properly. If they weren't on there at all the rockers wouldn't move.

 

right, i had miss-read that CAM had been changed, when in fact it was CRANK

well, rods arent clogged (moncheche, u said u cleaned 'em...btw love sayin MONCHECHE outloud, haha, u spanish?), my hypothesis is clogged lifters...

 

 

Are these lifters hydraulic? Try priming or unsticking them by pouring some ATF or Marvel mystery oil down into them.
Remove the push rods, pour some into the openings, let it soak a bit and give it a try.

 

No, not spanish. German/Swedish/Irish That little ugly thing was around when I was growing up and my sister and I would laugh just saying "moncheche". So, that's my name on all of the forums I visit.

So guys, I JUST installed this head. (new gasket and bolts)
I have to pull the head to clean the lifters, correct? A little background on the vehicle. I picked it up because it was super clean. I discovered the cracked head on day 1 of regular driving. After going through the vehicle, I have found that this engine was pretty much ignored. Polished on the outside, and p!ssed in. With a little reflection, I should have pulled those lifters to clean them. Especially with what I was seeing. I guess I'm 'that guy' now. Dang.

Any pointers on removing lifters? I have read that you clean them with diesel fuel.

What are your thoughts on re-using the head bolts? I know it's about the stretch.
How about the gasket? Probably not worth the chance?

The more $ I spend, the further I get from buying my grandfathers 57' ****** off of an old farmer.

But, this is my DD, and it's a priority. ALL of your thoughts are greatly appreciated by the way. This forum is hands down the best for finding people who have been there and done that.

Thanks,
Furry little monkey guy
(I don't look like him, I'm a blonde, balding, 6' 1", father of 3)

 

haha, ok....japanese stuffed monkey, i like

 

I have given this some thought. This would work great for sludge/gunk, but debris wouldn't budge, correct?

 

Built a few 350's and It helps to soak the lifters in oil or or ATF to prime them before installation. I Imagin these are similar.
I would try the earlier suggestion, what have you got to lose?

 

After installing the head I poured oil onto the lifters before re-installing the push rods. Would this be a suitable prime?

I have a nagging feeling that what's plugging the lifter holes is debris.

How long would you soak them in ATF?

 

A five-ten minutes should do it. If you really want to be aggressive put the rods back in and crank it a bit, not to start, but to put some pressure on them, with the coil wire off. Give it some time and then see what you got.

 

Moncheche, pm me if you want the factory service manual. You'll find there is the CORRECT procedure on how to do things.

 

It just doesn't seem right but I've never had the valve cover off the 4.0L so I don't know for sure.........BUT, it does seem like some of the rocker arm valleys are full of oil and most are not. I would think the rocker arm valley should fill with oil (as some are), then oil spills out of the valley and over the valve end of the rocker arm, to lube the underside of the rocker arm that contacts the tip of the valve stem. From there it flows/drips over the springs (to cool the springs), then thru the drain holes in the head and back to the oil pan.

 

Thanks,

I have the FSM. I was just fishing to see if anyone has replaced them and had any tips.

Thanks for the offer! Well, I'm on duty tomorrow, so the head comes off on wed. and the lifters will be removed and inspected. I'll let you guys know what I find.

Thanks again for all the advice.

 

Oh, well, sorry about that lol.

 

The only tip I have is don't forget to put the little bastards in before you get the head on and bolted down. And especially don't copper coat the head gasket if you do forget to install them before you put the head back on. I was in a hurry. Only bad things happen when you're in a hurry. Take your time.

FYI. If you do this you're going to have to take a long *** pry bar to one of the head ports to get it off.

Make sure the rods AND lifters go back in EXACTLY where they came out. DO NOT MESS THAT UP.

I put my rods in a box, as it shows on the haynes manual, and numbered them. I put the lifters in individual ziplock bags with oil to keep them lubed. I was doing an engine rebuild and they were going to be out for a while.

However, you're just cleaning them. Just make sure they get back exactly where they came from after you clean them.