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Seriously, it's actually not that hard. I did it when I pulled the head apart for a head gasket job, but the head doesn't need to come off. I found 5 collapsed lifters and were able to rejuvenate them to new condition using this method. Still, if any of them doesn't start working again, you can replace them for about $25 at E-euro.
Remove the valve cover and rotate the engine using a breaker bar til the engine is at TDC.
Place a coat hanger through the timing chain and back out the tensioner to loosen the chain.
Remove the timing chain pulleys from the ends of the camshafts, and then remove the cams.
Remove each individual lifter. mark them as to not get them mixed up as to where they go. better yet, remove and clean one at a time.
With a lifter out, wack it firmly on a piece of scrap wood to loosen the center tappet out of the lifter.
With the center tappet out, squeeze it multiple times to get any of the crud out of the internals. If it's frozen, place the tappet in some mineral spirits or other solvent for overnight until it begins to loosen up.
After it's loosened up, dip it into a container of fresh oil and squeeze it until it's firm again to suck the oil into it, then place the tappet back into the lifter, and replace it in the engine.
Reverse the procedure, reinstalling the camshafts, making sure that everything is at TDC. Install the timing chain and pulleys onto the cams BEFORE tightening the cams back down, and confirm they are at TDC. Without the chain on the cams, the tension of the valve springs will not allow you to place the cams at TDC.
When you start up the engine, you will most likely hear LOTS of clatter and growl for the first few seconds or so as the lifters get pumped back up. After about 5-10 minutes or so, the engine will sound like brand new!
posted by 173.53.121...
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