Valve Lifters & Guides - Cleaning & Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important: Components that are to be reused must be marked, sorted or organized for assembly.

Mark, sort, or organize the components for assembly. Refer to Separating Parts .
Clean the components in cleaning solvent.
Dry the components with compressed air.
Inspect the valve lifters for the following:
- Bent or broken clip (1).
- Worn pushrod socket (2).
- Scuffed or worn sides (3).
  If the valve lifter shows wear, inspect the engine block lifter bores for wear or damage.
- Flat spots on the roller (4).
- Loose or damaged pin (5).
- Plugged oil hole (6).
- Worn or damaged roller bearing. The roller should rotate freely with no binding or roughness.
Fig 1: Inspecting Valve Lifters
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the valve lifter guides for the following:
- For cracks or damage.
- Excessive wear in the lifter mounting bores.
Fig 2: Inspecting Valve Lifter Guides
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.