Author Topic: solid lifters into hydraulic head (Read 3436 times)

gldgti · « **on:** October 25, 2007, 04:42:12 am »

...like the subject says...

i'm having a lot of problems sourcing hydraulic lifter valve gear for my head rebuild, so i'm wondering if its possible to convert the head to solid lifters - is this possible anyone?

saurkraut · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2007, 05:50:17 am »

The lifter bores are deeper in a hydro head. Its to allow for the extended length of the hydro lifters.

I haven't fully delved into the process, but I suspect some shims could be made to go under the lower spring seats to raise the floor of the lifter lifter bores. The shims could be held in by the valve guides (I suspect the hydro valve guides are shorter, so the should be replaced any way).

I'll hopefully be addressing this process during the winter months as I'm planning on putting a 1.9 head on my '79.

myke_w · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2007, 07:43:15 am »

right - hydraulic lifers are available here, I'd ship them for you if you can't source them.

The package wouldn't weigh more than 5 pounds and shipping couldn't be too bad. AUD and USD are close enough in value that it would be worth it.

do you have paypal?

saurkraut · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2007, 11:17:25 am »

Quote from: "libbybapa"

Hydraulic lifters are readily available. I'm sure you could find someone to ship even to Australia.

I don't see why installing a 1.9 head would make you want to change to solid lifters in the head.

Andrew

I have a deep seated dislike for things that are automatic and I'm an old fart. Thats why I daily drive a '79 German made Rabbit.

saurkraut · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2007, 02:19:09 pm »

Quote from: "libbybapa"

I'm a medium fart and I have a great appreciation for automatic items that drastically reduce busywork and tedium. To each their own.

Just out of curiosity, what level of automation are you comfortable with? Obviously you're comfortable with a fair amount, as you are using an automobile. You aren't going to replace the starter with a hand crank are you?

Andrew

The thought had crossed my mind...

i don't like automatic windows, auto locks, fly by wire diesels, climate control in cars, and any other crap that can break and is a real pain to fix. I tend to get allot of miles on my vehicles, and the automatic stuff can be a real challenge to repaire. Ever try to fix an autolock system, esspecially the trunk lock on a wagon, or the automatic windows? How about a climate controll system in an Audi 5000 in the winter when it decides you don't need the defrost function.

Steel cables going to the pump, heater valve, and air doors work most of the time and are easy to fix. Hand crank widows are bullet proof, and the regulator can be removed from the door in ten minuites. And walking around the car and locking all the locks is OK for me.

I'm ok with adjusting valves too. Seems to me, the hydro valves will wear and act loose and then the cam has to come out. The Mech head, once a year poke with feel gauges, change a puck or three, and you good to go.

Black Smokin' Diesel · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2007, 06:36:10 pm »

Well the hydro lifters should last a least 100k km with good oil. IMO it's not worth the hassle to convert to solid lifters when hydro are available. Well it's your call, keep in mind that the hydro lifters from a MK4 golf or jetta will fit our engines, no need to source diesel specific lifters.

gldgti · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2007, 07:07:26 am »

Quote from: "myke_w"

right - hydraulic lifers are available here, I'd ship them for you if you can't source them.

The package wouldn't weigh more than 5 pounds and shipping couldn't be too bad. AUD and USD are close enough in value that it would be worth it.

do you have paypal?

i dont have an updated paypal account, but its something i can arrange.... can you give me a price for a full set of lifters, valves and guides for the hydro 1.6 head then? thanks

aydan

tylernt · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2007, 09:26:29 pm »

Cheapest place I've found:

http://www.rsjparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=158&osCsid=715ffb5d7282e094026ced13b6d160bf

Put 8 of them into my Fox, working ok so far.

jtanguay · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2007, 10:46:40 pm »

i've heard that there's only one or two companies making valve lifters now. and companies slap their name onto them. is this true? makes it easy for choosing which ones to buy... (cheapest non chinese ones)

tylernt · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2007, 10:51:26 pm »

Quote from: "jtanguay"

i've heard that there's only one or two companies making valve lifters now. and companies slap their name onto them. is this true? makes it easy for choosing which ones to buy... (cheapest non chinese ones)

Wouldn't surprise me in the least. Those rsjpart.com lifters I got were Mexican, I think... sorry I don't remember the brand name.