Lash Adjusters

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

The lash adjusters are precision-engineered mechanisms. Do not allow them to become contaminated by dirt or other foreign substances.
Do not attempt to disassemble the lash adjusters.
Use only fresh diesel fuel to clean the lash adjusters.

Prepare three containers and approximately 5 dm³ (30.5 quart) of diesel fuel. Into each container, pour enough diesel fuel to completely cover a lash adjuster when it is standing upright. Then, perform the following steps with each lash adjuster.

Fig 1: Identifying Container
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Place the lash adjuster in container A and clean its outside surface.
NOTE: Use a nylon brush if deposits are hard to remove.

Fig 2: Cleaning Lash Adjuster Using Nylon Brush
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CAUTION: The steel ball spring is extremely weak, so the lash adjuster's functionality may be lost if the air bleed wire is pushed in hard.
While gently pushing down the internal steel ball using wire [0.5 mm (0.020 inch) in diameter] or special tool MD998442, move the plunger through five to ten strokes until it slides smoothly. In addition to eliminating stiffness in the plunger, this operation will remove dirty oil.
NOTE: If the plunger remains stiff or the mechanism appears otherwise abnormal, replace the lash adjuster.
Remove the lash adjuster from the container. Then, push down the steel ball gently and push the plunger to eliminate

Fig 3: Pushing Steel Ball Spring Using Special Tool
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

CAUTION: The steel ball spring is extremely weak, so the lash adjuster's functionality may be lost if the air bleed wire is pushed in hard.
Place the lash adjuster in container B. Then, gently push down the internal steel ball using wire [0.5 mm (0.020 inch) in diameter] or special tool MD998442 and move the plunger through five to ten strokes until it slides smoothly. This operation will clean the lash adjuster's pressure chamber.

Fig 4: Pushing Steel Ball Spring Using Special Tool
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Remove the lash adjuster from the container. Then, push down the steel ball gently and push the plunger to eliminate diesel fuel from the pressure chamber.

Fig 5: Pushing Steel Ball Spring Using Special Tool
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CAUTION: Do not use container C for cleaning. If cleaning is performed in container C, foreign matter could enter the pressure chamber when the chamber is filled with diesel fuel.
Place the lash adjuster in container C. Then, gently push down the internal steel ball using wire [0.5 mm (0.020 inch) in diameter] or special tool MD998442.

Fig 6: Pushing Steel Ball Spring Using Special Tool
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Stand the lash adjuster with its plunger at the top, then push the plunger downward firmly until it moves through its greatest possible stroke. Return the plunger slowly, then release the steel ball and allow the pressure chamber to fill with diesel fuel.

Fig 7: Pushing Steel Ball Spring Using Special Tool
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Remove the lash adjuster from the container, then stand the lash adjuster with its plunger at the top. Push the plunger firmly and check that it does not move. Also, check that the lash adjuster's height matches that of a new lash adjuster.
NOTE: If the lash adjuster contracts or moves, perform the operations 7 through 9 again to fill it with diesel fuel completely. Replace the lash adjuster if it still contracts or moves after performing these steps.
Stand the lash adjuster upright to prevent diesel fuel from spilling out. Do not allow the lash adjuster to become contaminated by dirt or other foreign matter. Fit the lash adjuster onto the engine as soon as possible.

Fig 8: Pushing Plunger Of Lash Adjuster
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION