Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Need to Get My Lifters Out!

[edgeman]

I just recently fixed the front gear case on my 97 and I put it all back together. I timed the engine wrong and bent my push rods and broke my lifters#@$%!. Now I am stuck with a situation and found some exhaust lifters for 50 dollars. But I now need help trying to get the lifters out of the engine and put the new ones in. Can anybody get me some help on how to do this!? This would be great help thank you!

 

[hsmith]

You had to have really screwed up the timing marks on the gears for that damage to happen. To bend push rods, break lifters, the valves had to contact the pistons. You will probably have a lot more damage and need more repairs than what you think.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I sure do not have any easy fix for your problem. You will have to remove the head and check for bent valves, The lifters can be removed through the cam bore in the block. They are a mushroom style that have to be dropped out, cannot be lifted out the top of the lifter bore. Not really a fun job. You have a huge problem on you hands. Sorry.

 

[snappy]

Lots of info posted on changing a camshaft. Some highlights are:

remove lift pump

usually you use 1/2" wooden dowels driven into the tappet to lift them off the camshaft, but if yours are damaged, a magnet should work. You'll need 12 in total.

you need a trough (exhaust pipe) to remove tappets (and install them).

A very good idea to pull the head and check for bent valves.

 

[SRadke]

I find it difficult to believe you "broke" your lifters (tappets). Not saying it isn't possible, but I've never heard of it. I've seen bent push rods and broken rockers but the tappets are stout and not really in a place where they break.

As said above, pull the head and have it checked out by a competent machine shop. A bent valve stem could show up later and cost you a whole bunch more.

-Scott

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Lesson to all, manually turn the engine over by hand to ensure there's no internal interference before trying to fire up after a project like this

 

[hsmith]

Well said Vaughn. Also it is much easier to spin the engine over before installing the injectors.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I gave my Bro inlaw a 72 chevy 1ton for conversion for his sister when we move to MT. And had a motor sent to his place so he can do the conversion he is a wizard doing this kind of stuff. He has got most of it done and has started the motor he said that the motor runs great and starts it all the time. So if you plan on keeping the truck and the motor is toast this is another idea GearHead Engines | Diesel Engines | Cummins 6b 5. 9L | Complete Drop-Ins | Long Block Supremes

 

[edgeman]

Alright guys I will pull the head and check the valves. I talked to a very trusted mechanic in this area and he said that the valves are probably alright but I will check just in case and I like the exahuast pipe part. Thanks for the help!

 

[1tuffram]

I believe PVC pipe can be another option to the exhaust pipe trough.

 

[hsmith]

PVC will work if no stress is applied. Otherwise it can lead to small pieces of plastic roaming around.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Do a search on changing the camshaft, or refer to Issue 33, pp. 46-48. The mushroom lifters have to be removed through the camshaft bore, and installed that way too. You will need a steel “trough” made from a 30+ inch piece of 2” exhaust pipe with a piece cut out lengthwise that is just wide enough for a lifter foot to fit squarely through it. Weld an end cap so a lifter can't fall out into the engine. After each lifter is installed with a piece of string and stopper or rubber washer to hold the lifter and pull it into the lifter bore, you rotate the trough to hold the lifter up until you can drive a ½” wooden dowel 11” long into the pushrod end of the lifter. You should remove the head to check for bent valves, and carefully look for pieces of lifters, etc. broken off and lying inside the engine. Unless the breakage is on the rim of the lifter where the pushrod seats, the camshaft is likely damaged too. If just a piece of that rim is broken, the lifter may still be usable. The string used to pull a lifter into position will be several feet long, and have a 3/16” tube about 10” long on it to help guide it and the stopper into the pushrod hole and lifter bore. A dowel pin with a hook on it is used to pull it along the trough so you can put a new lifter onto it.

 

[edgeman]

Thanks Joe, I have looked at those lifters in my truck that I said were broke and it is just a little piece of the rim that is broke. I am going to go try and rotate the cam so that it is timed right. then start the truck and listen to it run and make sure that it is alright. If I have more problems I will repost and let you guys know what is going on thanks a bunch for the help!!!!

 

[edgeman]

Well I have taken care of making sure the cam is timed right. After a little persuasion the cam has been timed exactly how it is supposed to be. But I can not get the thing to start. The valves are adjusted right and there is fuel to the injection pump. But the thing still won't start. Any help would be appreciated please. Thanks!