Hydraulic valve lifters, checking
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, 1999 Volkswagen GTI, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta, 1998 Volkswagen GTI, and 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
- Replaced a defective hydraulic valve lifter as a complete unit (cannot be adjusted or repaired).
- Irregular valve noises when starting engine are normal.
- Start engine and let run until Coolant Fan has switched on once.
- Increase engine speed to about 2500 RPM for approx. 2 minutes.
If the hydraulic valve lifters are still noisy, identify the defective lifters as follows:
- Remove cylinder head cover, See CYLINDER HEAD COVER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
- Rotate crankshaft clockwise by hand, using vibration damper securing bolt, until cam lobe at lifter to be checked is pointing upward.
- Measure clearance between cam lobe and hydraulic valve lifter.
If the clearance is greater than 0.1 mm (0.004 in.):
- Replace valve lifter.
If the clearance is less than 0.1 mm (0.004 in.):
- Press down on top of lifter with a wooden or plastic wedge.
- If lifter moves more than 1.0 mm (0.039 in.) before firm contact with valve stem, replace lifter.
CAUTION:
DO NOT start the engine for approx. 30 minutes after new hydraulic valve lifters have been installed. New hydraulic lifters are at maximum height and must be allowed time to bleed down or the valves will strike the pistons.