Replacing Lifters on 73 318

[Fordication]

Hey guys. I was wanting to replace my lifters and I think I got a bit mixed up. I said I was going to pull my heads to get to them and several people told me that I do not have to pull the heads. Then some told me I only need to pull the intake. I am planning on doing it this weekend and before I start pulling anything, do I pull the intake to access the lifters or am I missing something.

 

[Mr Cuda]

But first, why are you replacing the lifters?
Are they ticking?
Is the lifter collapsed? A high miles engine could have valve seat wear that took away operating travel range.
Is the pushrod loose when lifter is on the cam base circle?
Lifter face wear means the cam is worn out. This adds to the pushrod clearance.
Timing chain is most likely worn or "stretched" too.
But yes, pull the intake for easy access to inspect.
Now every once in a while, a lifter can get stuck down. The plunger-check valve can be cleaned, and put back in, IF cam and lifter faces are good.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

With a very good magnet I have been able to replace lifters without pulling the intake , just fishing them out through the access between ports , if the lifters are old varnish may make this difficult or impossible but worth a try .

 

[Mr Cuda]

For pulling a lifter through the head, I have a KD lifter tool. Expandable barbs to catch the snap ring groove.

 

[Fordication]

But first, why are you replacing the lifters?
Are they ticking?
Is the lifter collapsed? A high miles engine could have valve seat wear that took away operating travel range.
Is the pushrod loose when lifter is on the cam base circle?
Lifter face wear means the cam is worn out. This adds to the pushrod clearance.
Timing chain is most likely worn or "stretched" too.
But yes, pull the intake for easy access to inspect.
Now every once in a while, a lifter can get stuck down. The plunger-check valve can be cleaned, and put back in, IF cam and lifter faces are good.

Sorry for not giving much information. I installed new 302 heads so I also installed new comp cam lifters and new push rods. The heads were rebuilt with new springs to match the new comp cam extreme. One of the lifters collapsed within an hour of break in. Yes, new timing chain and sprockets were installed. Also new water pump and timing chain cover with new seals. Since then I have heard that every thing that comp cam produces is trash so I am pulling all of the lifters and replacing them with new lifters that have been soaking in oil for the last week. I heard I can pull them without pulling the head or the intake which BTW is Edelbrock performer and Edelbrock 1406 Carb. All new fel-pro gaskets, which are not cheap. So that's why I am asking if I can get them thru the open spaces on the heads. The lifters have less than 2 hours on them and I would like to pull them and see what's going on. I asked the mechanic that installed them if he cleaned them in mineral spirits and he said no so its probably something minimal and I can take it apart in fix it for later but I have not figured out how the hell to compress one of these little bastards so that I can take it apart. Easier to just remove and replace and then troubleshoot at a later date.

 

[Fordication]

With a very good magnet I have been able to replace lifters without pulling the intake , just fishing them out through the access between ports , if the lifters are old varnish may make this difficult or impossible but worth a try .

Brand new with less than two hours on them.

 

[Fordication]

For pulling a lifter through the head, I have a KD lifter tool. Expandable barbs to catch the snap ring groove.

View attachment 156863

View attachment 156864

Just ordered one from ebay. It will be here by Friday which works out for Saturday.

 

[Xcudame]

I know people claim it's OK to pre-soak lifters, but I never do. They'll get lots of oil very quickly at start up.

The lifter puller through the heads should work, but worst case you will need to pull the intake manifold only. And new lifters will require camshaft break in like a normal break in procedure of running the engine for around 15 minutes at 2500-3000rpm.

 

[Mr Cuda]

Are all the lifters slightly ticking?
Do you have adjustable rockers?
Could be lifter preload, or lack of.