4.0 liter OHV lifter replacement

[slow-demon]

Can you replace the lifters on a 4.0 liter engine? It is not the SOHC engine but the regular pushrod type. I looked at one and it looked impossible without removing the cylinder heads. I remember someone saying on this bulletin board that it can be done. I would like to know how it was done.

 

[stevem]

See my post "Lifter replacement without removing heads". I didn't really get an answer to this question, but I am leaning towards, NO. I need to do the same thing on my 91. But, I am really intrigued by the post FAKE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE. Maybe (in my case anyway) I have low oil pressure and don't even know it! This may explain why I have several lifters ticking, not just one or two. I am going to get a REAL gage, screw it into the sender port and see what is really going on. Thanks for the gauge info HANK!

 

[flyguy]

Yeah, I think I said before that I thought you could get them out... with the heads on... but I think you can put them IN with the heads on... heh... anyways...if you get that far... why not just pull the heads? Its not that big o deal. Just need some new bolts. Of course... you could have your heads polished and all that... for more vrooom!

nick

 

[Kevin Zeller]

When I had the heads off of my '92 with 108k I noticed that I had 3 pushrods with badly worn ends. The worn ends were at the rocker end side. Not that I noticed a ticking noise before taking the heads off, but this could have caused it. Also, I am not sure why these pushrods wore. They were not spinning like they should have been and I am not sure why. So, that could be your cause. From what I rememeber, you cannot take the lifters out with the heads on.

 

[flyguy]

I got some of those chrome moly pushrods from Vanir... they are neat.

nick

 

[Matt Dobbs]

I have the same similar problem, I have a 95 EX with the 4.0 Ohv and have tried everything to fix the lifter noise at start up except go into the engine (and thats next) I was wondering if the heads must come off on the 95 because the service manual have checked only say to remove valve covers,rocker arms, pushrods intake manifold as alldata.com says the same as well ,is the head removal only on the early 90's ect. any info would be helpful, this noise is driving me nuts, thanks Matt

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Seems that I vaguely remember reading that the lifters can't be removed with the head in place because of varnish buildup. Maybe if you could clean the lifter bore somehow, and use a strong magnet.....?

 

[bandit_45]

2

 

[MDobbs]

Well it finally happened, I got tiredof the ticking noise and decided to replace the lifters. So for anyone that has the noise read on. As these lifters are expensive almost 40.00 each I bought a complete set on line for 100.00 shipped and began the tear down. Ford likes to use those great 10mm bolts on the exhaust manifolds and even after soaking them for 2 days off and on they still were a pain to get out, as for the popular question as to if you can replace the lifters with the heads on? NO WAY! the heads overhang almost half of them and is impossible without removing them. Remember to replace the head bolts as ford uses a T55 star bit for head bolts and if you are luck to get the out without stripping them you dont want to strip or reak the trying to reinstall. I replaced the rocker rails and pushrods while I was in there and the job took umm lets see 4 packs of cigs, alot of busted fingers, and almost 400.00 later the lifter noise is gone!. Take it from me I tried every additive known to man to quiet the noise and if it is ticking you might as well get into it or get used to the noise. If I can be of any help feel free to email me at matt911774@yahoo.com GOOD LUCK!

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Matt, thanks for posting your results, and clearing that up for us (head removal).

By the way, how many miles does your 95 have on it, and when does the ticking start on these OHV's? (I've heard around 180K or so.....)

 

[MDobbs]

my 95 has 167K on it and it started ticking at around 160K. Got that fixed and now starting to have OD light flashing random problems. Just changed filter and fluid in trans and it is shifting fine but, the light is driving me nuts. I love my EXP but, how much more at once? I so far have done the lifters new flowmaster 3" dual exhaust, Hyper chip, new tires, HID conversion kit,upper and lower ball joints, front diff, starter, alternator, ect. It will be new by the time I get done if I don't go broke first. HaHa