Checking RV8 lifters/followers

[Ant.]

Is there any way that the hydraulic lifters can be checked out of the engine?

Ever since the engine was installed I have had one that bleeds down if not run for a couple of days and then causes a tap when the engine is first run again.

I am , of course presuming it is just one lifter doing it, but it does sound like just one.

[stevieturbo]

The lifters can be removed if need be.

Rocker covers and rockers need to be removed, as does intake and valley cover. But quite doable.

Is oil pressure good ? lifter pre-load etc ok ?

[Ant.]

The lifters are out , hence I was asking if they can be checked in any way whilst out.

[stevieturbo]

Generally if they are pumped up, and remain so they should be ok. If there is a soft one, it could be suspect.

In saying that..ive seen some that look perfectly fine, yet were still noisy. So dont know of any 100% certain way to ensure they are working.

[Pupp]

Pop the circlips off and take them apart... empty oil, clean out any crud and give yourself the chance to check/set the preloads properly when you put it together. Not much in them to go wrong TBH and if one is tapping I'd be looking for wear on the face and the corresponding cam lobe assuming there was some preload

[paintman]

Don't use cheap a.n.other followers.
Don't replace followers without replacing the cam (and vice versa) as the new component will be cream crackered by the old in very short order.
Have a quick look at: http://www.v8engines.com/engine-4.htm#worncams