8 replies to this topic

[71xu1]

Okay I tried to adjust my tappets on my 186 last night. Followed the instructions in the LC workshop manual eg heated motor, up backed off till rockers are clacking, tighten down till clacking just stops then keep tightening in 1/4 increment turns to 1 to two turns is reached. Engine stalls and has the power of a four cylider. WTF am I doing wrong I remember doing it years ago on my 186 in my HR with no problems. I ended up backing the adjusters off power is restored but it sounds like a Singer sewing machine. Any help appreciated.

[76lxhatch]

Sounds right but I would think more like 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn rather than 1 or 2 whole turns. Are the lifters good?

[71xu1]

Sounds right but I would think more like 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn rather than 1 or 2 whole turns. Are the lifters good?

Not sure about the lifters the engine has done about 29 thousand miles. Hasn't been started for a long while was a bit noisy after running the engine for about 150kms that's why I thought I would try and adjust them. Thanks Dave

[76lxhatch]

I hate hydraulic lifters with a passion, one of the main reasons that manufacturers use them is because they're supposed to be quieter, they almost never are! As long as it has zero lash and runs fine, put up with the noise.

Edited by 76lxhatch, 10 December 2009 - 01:19 PM.

[LXCHEV]

1 to 2 full 360 turns??? Sounds WAY too much to me. I agree with 76lxhatch - 1/2 to 3/4 of ONE full turn sounds much more realistic. It's been ages since I've done hydraulic lifters, but that rings a big bell with me.

There is also another method you can use with the engine off which is how I always used to do it. Working on one cylinder at a time, turn the engine over to the appropriate point to adjust a particular rocker. Back it right off and wait several minutes to ensure the lifter has bled down. Now use one finger to rotate the pushrod back and forth while you slowly start taking down the rocker. As soon as you feel it take, that's your zero-lash. Now just go the further 1/2 or 3/4 turn, whatever it's meant to be to set the pre-load.

Edited by LXCHEV, 10 December 2009 - 01:45 PM.

[71xu1]

Thanks for the help. When I get home tonight I will try again with 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn with the motor off if that works all good if not it's back to doing them with the motor running. LX Chev that method you mentioned with the motor off is that with motor hot or cold. Thanks Dave

[rodomo]

1/4 of a turn at a time.
It WILL miss as you are opening the valve.
WAIT until the lifter bleeds down and the miss goes away.
Then another 1/4 of a turn and so on.................

[LXCHEV]

Dave the basic method I described, should work fine hot or cold. I always did it cold from memory. Same method we've used when engines have only just been built for the first time too.