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Posted by: hseymore1 Jan 23 2017, 10:18 AM

I am considering building a second 1.7 engine as I have three good cases and lots of spare parts. I have a set of hydraulic lifters good crankshafts and cams. Can anyone give me so do's don't etc. that I should be aware of as I have only built stock engines?

Posted by: Ferg Jan 23 2017, 11:10 AM

I'm sure I won't be the only one, but Don't use em. I really really dislike them.

Posted by: ConeDodger Jan 23 2017, 11:14 AM

Do: not use them...

Don't: use them...



Loss of performance d/t loss of precision. Vs: no valve adjustments.

Posted by: Dave_Darling Jan 23 2017, 11:23 AM

And you do still have to adjust the valves, particularly when the engine sits for an extended period of time.

--DD

Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 23 2017, 01:12 PM

Pro is they add weight to your scrap metal pile.

Con is they're junk.

Personally I'd rather use dog doo for lifters.
Learn how to adjust your valves, or pay a wrench to do it.
Part of the package when you own a 914.

Posted by: rjames Jan 23 2017, 02:16 PM

I have them and I check that they are in adjustment once or twice a year, which they always are.

That said, I wish my engine didn't have them. If I don't drive the car for an extended period of time it can take a while for the lifters to fill with oil, and until they do it makes a horrible racket.

Adjusting the valves isn't that difficult after you've done it a few times so don't let that be the deciding factor.

Posted by: hseymore1 Jan 23 2017, 02:48 PM

Well it seems the verdict is no and I thank you all very much.

Posted by: JamesM Jan 23 2017, 04:51 PM

I ran them for about 10 years on a 2.0 I had built back when I used my 914 for a daily driver. Never adjusted the valves once.

They worked just fine but i wouldn't do it again. Adjusting the valves is not a big deal.



quick edit: let me clarify "fine": On a daily driver below 4500 rpm they ran great as long as the car had not been sitting for a while and as long as the oil was clean. those are pretty much the operating parameters you need to say in to consider how they work "fine"

Posted by: larryM Jan 23 2017, 10:49 PM

https://www.google.com/search?q=914+hydraulic+lifters&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Dave Darling wrote w decent article about this many many yrs ago - it's on pelican

i did it once - 20 yrs ago - it does not work with D-jet & oem cam -

likely would work OK with a proper hydraulic cam - meaning a complete engine teardown & rebuild (35 hrs flat rate)

- webcam has a couple performance Hydro cams to consider - mostly aimed at the VW market but good enuf

Posted by: cgnj Jan 24 2017, 03:58 AM

If you use crmo pushrods with mechanical lifters, you can use zero lash braille method.
Beats feeler gauge, screwdriver and wrench, especially if the motor is stroked.