Lifter collapse

[diesel_lv]

Anyone ever run across this? Comp hydraulic roller cam, retro-fit hydraulic roller lifters. Properly adjust rocker arm while lifters are on cam base circle, 1/2 turn preload per Comp. Adjust all rockers. Come back to #1 cylinder and notice that both intake and exhaust now have over 1/16 of lash/clearance between pushrod and rocker arm ball. I know that lifter will bleed down and take tension off the pushrod, but the spring inside the lifter will still hold pushrod up against rocker arm ball. Looked around and every lifter that is on the cam base circle did this.

 

[Cranky]

Did you manually fill each lifter and has the engine been run? Been sitting on a shelf for a long time?

 

[steve340]

There is normally a set order/position to set the valves in.
Did you perhaps get that wrong?

 

[diesel_lv]

Did you manually fill each lifter and has the engine been run? Been sitting on a shelf for a long time?

Yes, let lifters soak. Comp does not recommend "pumping" lifters up. I've built many Harley engines using hydraulic roller lifters and do not "pump" them up. Soaking just ensures oil is inside. Lifters were installed today after soaking and immediately began the adjustment process. Everything was done correct. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever had this happen to them. Lifters were purchased fro Jegs, they are warranting them so it'll be another week until I get new lifters.

There is normally a set order/position to set the valves in.
Did you perhaps get that wrong?

Started at #1 with both lifters on base circle. All lifters/rocker arms adjusted while the cam was on base circle for that lifter/rocker arm. Order is not relevant as long as it's done on the base circle.

 

[steve340]

Cool wonder why it did not work?
A 1/16 th of an inch is quite a bit so this is a bit of a strange one.
And no I have never had this happen.

 

[diesel_lv]

Lifters can be bad out of the box...but all 16? It sounds to me like the adjuster ball wasn't fully engaged in the pushrod cup. I back the adjuster completely off and push the pushrod firmly against the rocker adjuster, and then adjust to zero while wiggling and twisting the pushrod, but all the while maintaining upward pressure. Then give it the desired preload. Sometimes it looks like the adjuster is fully seated, but can still have slop.

It's possible. That's how I did it. I called Comp 1st to see if they had any recommendations. They asked where I got them and I said Jegs, that I had the "bag" they came in. He asked "bag?" n said they should have been in a box. I told him they came loose in a bubble wrap bag. He thinks it might have been a shipping mistake w some previously returned lifters.

 

[beanhead]

Okay. I deleted my original post after I thought about it for a minute and wasn't sure which engine that was on where the rocker adjuster would almost sort of 'snap' into the pushrod cup..almost imperceptible.
FWIW I've never received Comp lifters that weren't in their box..

 

[steve340]

Lifters that come loose in a bag?
Good idea to replace those.

 

[wyrmrider]

If you did or ever do pre fill lifters turn the motor over at least twice SLOWLY stopping every 90 degrees to let them bleed down or you can get hydraulic lock and bend things
then re-adjust the valves

 

[diesel_lv]

Lifters that come loose in a bag?
Good idea to replace those.

Definitely!! The rep at Comp Cams couldn't believe Jegs sent them to me like that. I just thought "it's Jegs, they're a reputable company, must be ok". Apparently not.

 

[69L48Z27]

Comps always came in a box, my experience. I did get Comps that were boxed wrong before, solids when I was supposed to get hydraulics. I was not happy I had to tear back into a fresh engine.

 

[PRHeads]

Lifters in a bag?

No thanks. Sounds a little shady to me.

 

[diesel_lv]

Lifters in a bag?

No thanks. Sounds a little shady to me.

At the time I didnt think anything of it since it was from Jegs. Lesson learned.

 

[Paul Bigne]

How did you resolve the lifter problem?? I had the exact same thing happen with Comp Roller lifters. Noticed about 4 of them collapsed to different degrees losing their spring load. Box was a little disjointed that they came in and only one was wrapped by the plastic fishnet. Appreciate any help. Thank you!
Paul
[email protected]

 

[Paul Bigne]

Did you manually fill each lifter and has the engine been run? Been sitting on a shelf for a long time?

No, was on the engine stand. Relying on the spring pressure in the lifters to adjust them. Lifters were soaked in break in oil prior to install in order to oil them.

 

[wyrmrider]

As a former Production engine rebuilder we used to buy lifters by the flat or by the case and frequently shipped out the lifters in a plastic bag with yesterdays newspaper separating them
I'd be more concerned on how to guard against offshore lifters

 

[PRHeads]

If you search around a little on the net I think you’ll find that no brand of hyd roller lifter is exempt from people having issues with them.

All you can do is buy what you feel are the best you can for your budget....... and hope you got a good set.

Personally....... I am really not a fan of hyd rollers.