Hydraulic Lifters - Life Expectancy

[irj]

Can any engineering whizz out there tell me the lifespan of Hydraulic Lifters under normal circumstances. One has failed on me at 36K ( Porsche 986 - 2003) and all the others are perfect, so says the dealership.

Also, can anyone point me in the direction as to where I can have it examined, as I think is was a dodgy one that had finally given up. Thanks.

[rev-erend]

I would expect a lifter to last a lot longer that 4 years and with a small milage like that.

The only proviso being if the car had ran out of oil or water during it's life..

If it was me - I'd be expecting the Porsche dealership to pay for this - providing you were the original owner and the car was bought from new..

The part on it's only if probably only around £20 ..

[irj]

Thanks re-verend - Unfortunately, I only bought it last year, although it has a full PSH.

They have offered me 185 pounds towards the 2k bill!!!

[rev-erend]

I don't really know what car you drive but I would phone around for alternate quotes ...

[GreenV8S]

The lifters should last the life of the cam, they are always fitted and replaced as a set and the cam is usually the bit that wears out.

[Pheo]

Unless some crap from the engine gets stuck in it surely?

[eff eff]

GreenV8S said:

The lifters should last the life of the cam, they are always fitted and replaced as a set and the cam is usually the bit that wears out.

Are roller lifters worht the extra cost?

[rev-erend]

I have roller rockers..

and for my engine - they are worth it..

as they offer a bit less wear and are adjustable for the valve clearance (solid lifter cam).

They also look nicer

[tempus]

Roller rockers follow cam profiles more accurately, hydraulic lifters usually show signs of wear due to either dirt in the oil blocking the relief side of the tappet making it act like a hydraulic jack, or a lube failiure between the cam and the lifter,blocked oilway mostly.Tempus

[GreenV8S]

Roller rockers introduce weight, complexity and cost that aren't justified for most applications. They become necessary if you have a very high lift cam in order to avoid excessive side loads on the valve stem. Cam followers and rockers are not the same thing though.

Just to add to the confusion, it's also possible to get roller cam followers.

Edited by GreenV8S on Saturday 18th August 23:53

[tempus]

To further add to the confusion its possible to do without all three.Tempus

[K13 WJD]

lol, the hyd. tappets in my c20xe lasted.....wait for it......6 hours.

Me thinks a full on rally cam + std GM tappets dont mix.......anyone know if i'll get roller rockers for it ?