Hydraulic lifters not coming out

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Savara
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Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by Savara »

Hi folks. My first post as I'm in the first few months of T25 ownership. Great forum! So here's my first T25 problem. I had the noisy tappet thing going on (1.9 waterboxer) and the previous owner informed me that the hydraulic tappets were worn. When the "clacking" got somewhat louder I decided to sort things properly, replace all the lifters and install telescopic pushrod tubes. Problem is I've only managed to get 4 of the lifters out. These came out easily with a magnet and a bit of twisting but the other 4 - Not cooperating! I've bough an extra strong magnet online which really grips them well and lets me turn them but they get halfway out and "clack". It's like they have just hit solid metal. I'm thinking the heads have been mushroomed perhaps meaning they will never come out (horrible thought) or is there a special technique to getting them shifted? The odd thing is, the one that was proper noisy and had the adjuster screw turned all the way in (totally collapsed lifter) came out the easiest. Not sure what to try next??
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itchyfeet
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by itchyfeet »

Its a tiny burr just got to keep trying, I have also used a cranked screwdriver but need to be careful because if you slip off you can scratch the bore.

consider leaving the ones that won't come out, you probably have fixed most of the noise by doing the one collapsed one.
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Savara
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by Savara »

Thanks for the screwdriver tip. One thing I don't have in my toolbox! lol. A couple of them do seem like a minor burr as they slowly stiffen up when sliding them out. Will persevere with those The other 2 though, a proper solid "clack" noise suggesting something more sinister. Off to B&Q to see if I can get a right angle screwdriver..
As well as the collapsed one, there was another with adjuster screwed a long way in - this is one of the "clack" ones.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by itchyfeet »

You should check your oil pressure too.
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Savara
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by Savara »

Oh to be able to check the oil pressure! Lol. Of the 4 that aren't cooperating, 3 of them are solid when I push the plunger with a screwdriver, the 4th "squishes" by 2-3 mm or so. Does this mean that lifter has had it? That's the only one I'm doubtful of leaving as is, it also had the adjuster screwed in a fair way.
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by itchyfeet »

lifters that drain down will be spongy
it does not mean they are broken
they should pump up with oil pressure.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by itchyfeet »

I assume you have not taken heads off and are going to use telescopic tubes so you have the option to try again later if these four prove noisy.
new lifters need filing with oil and use assembly lube or the may be noisy too.
where did you buy them from?
I have seen cheap and nasty lifters you must use quality ones
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Savara
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by Savara »

Yes, have gone for the Scat tubes from VWH. The lifters were from Just Kampers so are Elring. No idea if good or not? Assumed so as they seem to be a reputable supplier. Am pretty sure these last 4 lifters are going nowhere so as you suggest, I'll be replacing the 4 that I did get out, re-assembling and hoping for the best! Thanks for your input.
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by itchyfeet »

I have seen the elring ones but not heard of anybody using them yet
be good to hear how you get on.
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Savara
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by Savara »

Hmm.. 4 lifters replaced and it's clattering like mad, no better at all. I think it's time to get a second opinion on what the noise is and then consider the Subaru engine transplant that I was probably going to consider one day anyway.
Anyone near or in Brighton that might be free to have a listen?? Crate of beer supplied as a minimum of course!
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by T25Convert »

For getting the tappets out I used a small diameter round file the right diameter to ram into the end - anything rough that gets a bit of purchase should be enough to get them out.

Once the new ones are in I found a good thrash (think 20 mins plus of decent revs) was needed to get them to pump up and shut up, with readjustment needed once they had quietened down a bit.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by itchyfeet »

Worth checking the rocker shafts have all got the right combination of washers, springs and spring washers, I have a missing spring washer and it made a right old clatter as the rockers move around.
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by Savara »

OK, engine running now and lifters seem fine, thanks for the replies. Another problem now though! Popping through carb, hesitation, vibration, 50 loss of power. WIll upload video to YouTube on another post..
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by kevtherev »

Savara wrote:OK, engine running now and lifters seem fine, thanks for the replies
Woah!
Tell us what you did to quieten the lifters.
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Re: Hydraulic lifters not coming out

Post by Cobra88 »

Sounds like you have a pushrod thats not seated in the follower to me :idea
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