Lash Adjuster

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. 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.

Fig 1: Identifying Diesel Fuel Containers

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.
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 Outside Surface

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.

Fig 3: Pushing Down Internal Steel Ball Using Wire
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 4: Pushing Down Internal Steel Ball Using Wire

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 a 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 5: Pushing Down Internal Steel Ball Using Wire
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 6: Pushing Down Internal Steel Ball Using Wire

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 a wire [0.5 mm (0.020 inch) in diameter] or special tool MD998442.

Fig 7: Pushing Down Internal Steel Ball Using Wire/Special Tool MD998442
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 8: Pulling Up Internal Steel Ball Using Wire/Special Tool MD998442
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.
NOTE: If the lash adjuster contracts or moves, repeat steps 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. Install the lash adjuster onto the engine as soon as possible.

Fig 9: Removing Adjuster From Container