fordman4662002

hello everyone.first of all.im new to the site......i have researched and not found any really helpfull info.i have 1996 mustang with 4.6l........the valve lash adjusters are tapping really bad on right side........can they be changed without special compressor tool.......or do i have to spend even more money to do this.have limited funds and tryin to do this without buyin tools...autozone offers a universal one.........but i dont know if it will work well or not

oxfordgt

They can not be adjusted they are hydrolic

dimebag

its gonna take some effort

your going to get the valve cover off, then yes theres a tool, it grabs the cam and you can compress the spring/valve... you do this, and pull out the follower, you then can slide the lash adjuster out and replace it.

fordman4662002

let me rephrase what i said originally...........im not adjusting them...........i know they are hydraulic........i am replacing them......and i dont have the money to buy 100+ dollar tool unfortunately.....so i was wondering if it can be done without the special compressor..........i just dont want to screw up the cam or anything else......im really kinda new to the mod motors,so i appreciate all the help i can get

DIY

Start by moving the crankshaft pulley to Top Dead Center. Next remove the valve/camshaft cover. Be sure to plug the oil holes in the head to prevent anything from falling into them. You do not need to remove the camshaft, camshaft pulley or timing chain. For the next few steps, the only tools you 'll need are two flathead screwdrivers and a pair of needlenose pliers. Locate a cam lobe that is rotated farthest away from its cam follower(mod motor 's version of a rocker arm). Don 't be surprised if the cam follower for this cam lobe falls off on its own. If it does, gently pull the lash adjuster out. Use the pliers or your fingers. Replace the lash adjuster with the new, lubricated one. Push the cam follower back into place -under the camshaft- with its tip facing the lash adjuster. You will need to feel under the camshaft to get the follower in place. Use a screwdriver to pry the tip of the cam follower back onto the lash adjuster. This might require a little finesse but its not hard to do. Once you 're ready to move to the next lash adjuster, rotate the crankshaft until the next lobe is farthest away from its follower. If the cam follower doesn 't fall off the lash adjuster by itself, lay one screw-driver down inside the head and use its handle as leverage to pry the tip of the follower off with the other screwdriver. Remove/replace one cam follower and lash adjuster at a time and don 't mix them up. Follow the same steps until you 've replaced all of the lash adjusters. When everything is buttoned back up, put the crankshaft back at TDC.

oxfordgt

You can use a screwdriver and compress the spring enough to slide the follower out so you can get to the lash adjusters.

defconfire

Really? That didn't work for me. maybe its because I have aftermarket valve springs

fordman4662002

thanks for the info.....hopefully i can get it done without problems.do i need to soak the lash adjusters in oil or pre prime them before they go in..........i know on regular lifters u can charge them with oil by putting them in a can of oil and pumping them.also....is it necessary to be on top dead center to do this.....and if so why...........just curious