Can you change the lifters with the heads still on???

[Black1987Stang]

I need to change the lifters, well only one but im changing all of them to be safe. Will i need to take off my heads? I think ive tried it once before and they all will fit except the 4 outer corner ones and it needs only a small amount clearance from the head. After i take off the vlave covers to check locking nuts to see if its my problems first, could I clearance out a little notch of the head so the end rockers will fit in and out? After of course protecting everything from debris? I wouldn't see why not, since its only a tiny bit of material and its not enough to cause a stress problem and lead to cracking and splitting. I have windsor jr. heads and the stock hydraulic roller lifters if it matters.

 

[87'GTstang]

You will need to take off the upper and lower intake manifolds also to get access to the spider or "dog bones" retainer bolted accross the lifter valley. Unbolt the rocker arms, remove the pushrods, and use something that can pry outwards "think external snap ring pliers or a magnet" to pull the lifters out. Opposite of removal..........

No, the cylinder heads do not need removing. Windsor jr's SHOULD be the same as any other head. There is about 1"=2" of clearance between the lifter bore and the deck so they should slip out. I wouldn't worry about dirt and such (but still try to keep it clean) but metal shavings can reak havoc on parts.

 

[Sicarius428]

Nope. Changed my lifters with my heads still on. Pretty easy process so have fun.
Kevin

 

[Autobodypro_1]

You can change them with the heads on. Ford machined a recess in bottom of the roller cam heads just for that purpose. Just remember which way the small hole in the lifter points and re-install the same way.

 

[darthcual]

You can change them with the heads on. Ford machined a recess in bottom of the roller cam heads just for that purpose. Just remember which way the small hole in the lifter points and re-install the same way.

Good point. Make sure you know which way the oil flows into the lifters and install the same way. I believe the wholes point inward toward the passage. If you install wrong there will be hella noise.

 

[Grn92LX]

It does NOT matter which way the oil hole faces.

And yes the lifters can be removed with the heads on.

 

[Black1987Stang]

You can change them with the heads on. Ford machined a recess in bottom of the roller cam heads just for that purpose. Just remember which way the small hole in the lifter points and re-install the same way.

Yea i know that but i dont have the stock Ford heads.

 

[87'GTstang]

It does NOT matter which way the oil hole faces.

And yes the lifters can be removed with the heads on.

I'm going to have to disagree, gravity works at an advantage when you reinstall them the way the factory does (pointing downward).