Editing Z31/RebuildingLifters php (section)

=== Procedure ===

* Remove the lifters from the engine. This is the trickiest part but not difficult.
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Place the lifter on a clean surface (computer paper works well). Use a large c-clamp to compress the piston into the lifter body. Insert a 2-mm Allen wrench into the hole in the lifter; if the hole doesn't line up, loosen the clamp slightly and rotate the lifter body until it does, then insert the Allen wrench.

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With the Allen wrench in place, release the c-clamp and remove the lifter. Using a dental pick or toothpick, carefully pry out the c-clip from the top of the lifter. Be careful, it can spring out.

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Disassemble the lifter: The crown should pull right out. The check valve assembly is a bit more stubborn. Insert a toothpick into the center and push the ball bearing down, then lever it out and remove the spring. You should have parts as shown:

* Clean all components thoroughly. Soak in Castrol’s Super Degreaser for ~30 min (or use lacquer thinner). The lifter should be grey when clean.
* Test the check valve: Hold upright and pour lacquer thinner in. If it leaks, the valve is still dirty or bad. Clean more or replace if needed.
* Once verified clean and functional, begin reassembly.
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Fill the lifter body halfway with 30W engine oil (or synthetic 50W for high-temp use).

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Install the spring, then the check valve assembly. Use a toothpick to depress the ball bearing and push the valve fully in. Do this slowly to avoid squirting oil.

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Install the crown and coat the top lightly with oil.

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Use the c-clamp again to compress the lifter, insert the Allen wrench, then remove the clamp.

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Reinstall the c-clip. Lay one side in the groove and use a knife or small screwdriver to snap the other side in.

That's it; you're done! Finish all other lifters in the vehicle and reassemble the engine. When you start the car, hold the idle at 1500 rpm for about 5 minutes to bleed the lifters.