If you’re into cars, you’re probably familiar with hydraulic lifters. They’re a key component of many engines, and they play an important role in keeping everything running smoothly. But, if you’re new to the world of automotive engines, you might be wondering what hydraulic lifters are and what they do.
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What are Hydraulic lifters?
Hydraulic lifters are small cylinders that are used to adjust the valve clearance in an engine. They’re typically found in overhead camshaft (OHC) engines and are an alternative to the more traditional solid lifters. They work by using a small amount of oil pressure to maintain a constant gap between the valve stem and the rocker’s arm.
How do Hydraulic Lifters Work?
As we mentioned earlier, hydraulic lifters work by using a small amount of oil pressure to maintain a constant gap between the valve stem and the rocker’s arm. This is important because the gap between these two components determines the amount of lift that the valve can achieve.
When the engine is running, the camshaft rotates and pushes the lifter up, which in turn pushes the pushrod up, which then pushes the rocker arm up, opening the valve. The oil pressure in the lifter helps to maintain the gap between the valve stem and the rocker’s arm, which ensures that the valve is opened to the correct amount.
When the camshaft rotates again, the lifter is pushed down, which causes the oil pressure to be released, and the valve closes. This process is repeated for each cylinder in the engine, and it’s what allows the engine to function properly.
What Happens When You Over Tighten Hydraulic Lifters?
Now that we know how hydraulic lifters work, let’s talk about what happens when you over tighten them. When you over tighten hydraulic lifters, it can cause a number of issues, including:
Reduced engine performance: If the lifters are over tightened, it can cause the valve to be held open slightly, which can reduce engine performance.
Excessive wear: Over tightening the lifters can cause excessive wear on the camshaft, lifters, and pushrods, which can lead to premature failure.
Noise: Over tightening the lifters can cause them to make a ticking or tapping noise, which can be annoying and distracting.
Poor fuel economy: Over tightening the lifters can cause the engine to use more fuel, which can result in poor fuel economy.
How to Avoid Over Tightening Hydraulic Lifters
Now that we know the potential problems that can arise from over tightening hydraulic lifters, let’s talk about how to avoid this issue.
First and foremost, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended valve lash adjustment procedure. This will ensure that the lifters are properly adjusted and will help to avoid over tightening them.
It’s also important to use the correct tools when adjusting the valve lash. Using the wrong tools can lead to over tightening or under tightening the lifters, which can cause problems down the road.
Lastly, it’s important to be patient and take your time when adjusting the valve lash. Rushing the job can lead to mistakes, and those mistakes can be costly.
Conclusion
Hydraulic lifters are an important component of many engines, and it’s important to make sure that they’re properly adjusted. Over tightening hydraulic lifters can cause a number of issues, including reduced engine performance, excessive wear, noise, and poor fuel economy. To avoid these problems, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended valve lash adjustment procedure, use the correct tools, and take your time when adjusting the valve lash.