How to make solid lifter for checking pushrod length..

jd-hart · Jul 28, 2008

I know there are a ton of posts about this but I can't find one that explains exactly how to make a solid lifter out of a hydraulic one. Pics would be cool.....

Or is is possible to buy a solid lifter for a Ford that would have the same dimensions?

I know this is suppose to be an easy check, but this solid lifter thing is confusing me...

I don't have an extra lifter around, so I was just going to buy a replacement one at Advance Auto and take that one apart. Is that okay to do? Or should I try and get a Ford one from the dealership?

Thanks for the help....

85_SS_302_Coupe · Jul 28, 2008

I'm pretty sure my buddy took an old one apart and filled it with washers...i'll ask him for sure and post back.

EDIT:

Ok, he said you basically gut the stock lifter...there's a little C clip snap ring kind of deal that holds it together, you take that out and there's a plunger and spring setup inside. He said take the plunger out and stack enough washers inside so that when you put the spring back in it's completely solid.

BlownFiveLiter · Jul 28, 2008

If you have access to a welder, you could also tack weld the plunger in place. Of course this method is permanent, so make sure you have no future plans for this lifter, except for checking pushrod length.

jd-hart · Jul 28, 2008

StangGT1995 said:
If you have access to a welder, you could also tack weld the plunger in place. Of course this method is permanent, so make sure you have no future plans for this lifter, except for checking pushrod length.

I don't have a welder, but would JB weld work?

BlownFiveLiter · Jul 28, 2008

Probably not. It has to be able to withstand quite a bit of spring pressure, and I'm not sure that JB Weld has anywhere near the strength to do it. It might work, but it also might break immediately under pressure. The washer idea isn't bad, but the only concern I have with that one is the possibility of the plunger still having the ability to depress slightly. You could always completely fill the lifter with JB Weld, put the plunger back in, and wait for it to dry. I don't think it would go anywhere then.

Redsnk95 · Jul 29, 2008

Do a search on Hardcore50.com I believe you can just flip the plunger.

Mustang5L5 · Apr 4, 2017

So...trying to convert a spare explorer lifter I have to a solid.

Clip out, rear section that contacts the pushrod out. I see the plunger inside. I can depress it slightly, but cannot remove it at all. Is there a trick to this? I've tried to take 2 apart so far and can't get the plunder out of either

Mustang5L5 · Apr 4, 2017

Got this out.

Can't get this plunger out, although I can depress it a tad. Seems locked in

I have some from a mustang, but assume they are the same. Those are in better shape so trying to make one from these ratty explorer lifters

liljoe07 · Apr 4, 2017

They are a pain to get out sometimes, compressed air in the oil feed hole can work. Or turn it up side down, and bang it on a piece of wood.

JD1964 · Apr 4, 2017

Is it really required to have a solid lifter to check for pushrod length?

The plunger spring in the hydraulic lifters has enough resistance that you can feel it by rotating the pushrod as you slowly tighten the rocker nut. The moment you feel the slightest resistance in rotation you are at zero lash. Then just add for lifter preload and you have your length.

liljoe07 · Apr 4, 2017

You can actually can compress the lifter before feeling resistance. Not every one has the same feel. Converting to solid takes out any variables.

JD1964 · Apr 4, 2017

liljoe07 said:
You can actually can compress the lifter before feeling resistance. Not every one has the same feel. Converting to solid takes out any variables.

True but if you are using adjustable rockers in the end, the same variables still exist. In addition to feeling for resistance, if the intake is off you can also look at the plunger and see exactly when it begins to compress.
And whats the lifter preload, .060? There's a bit of room for being not exact in my opinion?

Mustang5L5 · Apr 4, 2017

Well, I thought this would be 5 mins of work with a junk lifter I had on hand...but turning into more of a PITA really

liljoe07 · Apr 4, 2017

John Dirks Jr said:
True but if you are using adjustable rockers in the end, the same variables still exist. In addition to feeling for resistance, if the intake is off you can also look at the plunger and see exactly when it begins to compress.
And whats the lifter preload, .060? There's a bit of room for being not exact in my opinion?

Using the same rocker you would be running during push rod checking would take that variable out of the equation. It's easier to just have the solid lifter than worry about having to pay attention if the valve moved or the lifter depressed. If I was to use a non solid lifter, I would definitely be using light checking springs. Not sure if he is or not.

JD1964 · Apr 4, 2017

liljoe07 said:
Using the same rocker you would be running during push rod checking would take that variable out of the equation. It's easier to just have the solid lifter than worry about having to pay attention if the valve moved or the lifter depressed. If I was to use a non solid lifter, I would definitely be using light checking springs. Not sure if he is or not.

Why light checking springs? In checking pushrod length you want the valve held tight on the seat right? A lighter valve spring wouldn't lend favor to that. Am I missing something in the process?

liljoe07 · Apr 4, 2017

All you need is the valve to stay up in the head against the seat. And light springs do that just fine for checking pushrod length.

liljoe07 · Apr 4, 2017

John Dirks Jr said:
Why light checking springs? In checking pushrod length you want the valve held tight on the seat right? A lighter valve spring wouldn't lend favor to that. Am I missing something in the process?

Let me also point this out. You seem to think a non solid lifter is ok for checking pushrod length. But you also seem to think a regular valve spring would be better than a light spring. If you use a normal valve spring and a non solid lifter to check your rocker sweep, it will be erroneous. As the cam moves the lifter up, the lifter will collapse delaying the rocker motion and then throwing off the rocker pattern on the valvestem tip. The rocker pattern will give the illusion that the pushrod is too short.

JD1964 · Apr 4, 2017

That makes sense. I was thinking only about pushrod length with regard to preload. I was not thinking about the geometry throughout the range of motion.

Thanks for tolerating my poking.

FoxMustangLvr · Apr 6, 2017

It's pricey but.....

https://lmr.com/item/SVE-PTVTOOL/sve-mustang-piston-to-valve-clearance-checking-tool-85-95

How to make solid lifter for checking pushrod length..

jd-hart

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85_SS_302_Coupe

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BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

jd-hart

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BlownFiveLiter

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Mustang5L5

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That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

liljoe07

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

liljoe07

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

liljoe07

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

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liljoe07

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

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How to make solid lifter for checking pushrod length..

Member

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

Member

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

there is enough sticking out to grab on to

I love my Pimp

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