lifters

[cwhubb]

need alittle help here, I'm not sure if its a header leak or a lifter, is it ok to replace a single lifter, in a broken in engine (6000 miles) or do you need to replace them all? if it is a lifter how do you narrow it down to that particular one?
Thank You

 

[RustyRatRod]

Yes, you can replace one lifter. You can also narrow down which one it is by removing the valve cover. Take a 3/8 extention and press down on the lifter side of each rocker arm until you make the noise go away. When you do that, you found the culprit. ....and I assume we are talking about hydraulic lifters.

 

[cwhubb]

Thanks Rusty I always appreciate your wisdom. yes they are hydraulic. Btw any tips on header leaks?

 

[RustyRatRod]

All I know is to use some really good gaskets and make damn sure the flanges are good and straight.

 

[cwhubb]

I use the sci copper ones

 

[RustyRatRod]

I've read where people actually had problems with those leakin. I caint remember where it was, but I said something about them and somebody started poundin on um. I've never used them so I don't know. I actually like usin the stock exhaust manifold gaskets. They are steel core with gasket material on the outside. They've always worked well for me.

 

[cwhubb]

thanks for the advice

 

[Photon440]

If you're not sure if the ticking noise comes from an exhaust leak or a noisy lifter, pull the plug wires on the suspect cylinder. If the noise goes away when the cylinder stops firing, it's the header gasket.

 

[HT413]

If it turns out to be the header gasket, try Percy's.

 

[cwhubb]

After what Rusty told me I might switch gasket brands