Lifter (Valve Lash Adjusters AKA VLAs) replacement question

[speedtre]

So I'm planning on replacing my plugs/wires soon and since the intake plenum has to come off I figured I might as well take the valve covers off and replace the VLAs on my '99 Montero. It has "ticked" since the day I bought it and I've tried everything...synthetic oil/sea foam in crankcase/OEM oil filter/rev and release from the TSB...short of bleeding/replacing the VLAs themselves. I just plan on replacing all of them since it has 201K miles on it. So for those of you who have done this, am I missing any necessary parts in the list below?

6 Iridium plugs
New plug wires
L/R valve cover gaskets
Upper intake plenum gasket (do I need the lower? I wouldn't think so since I don't THINK I'll be taking the lower plenum off...?)
24 VLAs (lifters)



I welcome any suggestions or tips from anyone who has replaced the VLAs...thanks.

 

[Eric M]

You tried everything short of what would actually fix the problem, cleaning and testing your VLAs. 24 VLAs is going to be quite expensive, just replace ones that fail the test procedure in the FSM.

 

[speedtre]

You tried everything short of what would actually fix the problem, cleaning and testing your VLAs. 24 VLAs is going to be quite expensive, just replace ones that fail the test procedure in the FSM.

Actually 1/2 the things I listed were attempts to clean the VLAs w/out having to take anything apart. They have 201K miles on them, I don't want to go through with all this work then have one fail next month and have to take it all apart again. Even if I replace all 24 it will be worth the cost (to me) to not have to do it all over again....that tick has driven me crazy for 5 years...I'm not taking any chances...but thanks for the advice.

 

[Pajero86]

Running about a half a quart of ATF fluid helped a lot in my VR-4.

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

The VLA's aren't very expensive as a set of 24 off Ebay. The 3mm oil hole set is something under $100, if I recall correctly. Make sure to bleed them per the factory service manual.

John B.

 

[speedtre]

The VLA's aren't very expensive as a set of 24 off Ebay. The 3mm oil hole set is something under $100, if I recall correctly. Make sure to bleed them per the factory service manual.

John B.

Indeed they are, thanks for the tip!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIFTERS-FOR...ADJUSTERS-HLA-6G72-6G74-6G75-24-/170976687330

 

[DSouth]

So I'm planning on replacing my plugs/wires soon and since the intake plenum has to come off I figured I might as well take the valve covers off and replace the VLAs on my '99 Montero. It has "ticked" since the day I bought it and I've tried everything...synthetic oil/sea foam in crankcase/OEM oil filter/rev and release from the TSB...short of bleeding/replacing the VLAs themselves. I just plan on replacing all of them since it has 201K miles on it. So for those of you who have done this, am I missing any necessary parts in the list below?

6 Iridium plugs
New plug wires
L/R valve cover gaskets
Upper intake plenum gasket (do I need the lower? I wouldn't think so since I don't THINK I'll be taking the lower plenum off...?)
I don't th
24 VLAs (lifters)



I welcome any suggestions or tips from anyone who has replaced the VLAs...thanks.

I don't think you'll need the lower gaskets, but some kits come with both lowers and uppers. Up to you on whether you want to just get that kit instead. The additional cost is nominal.

I'd add Cam seals to the list. If you are in there and you find them are leaking or look perished, may as well swap em.

Best!

 

[Jay Ayala]

You should check my thread on this subject.

1989 V6 - Servicing your Hydraulic Lash Adjusters.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124234



1989 Dodge Raider 3.0L

 

[Schitzangiggles]

Great write up, I bookmarked that along with the ones for replacing the timing belt/water pump (just finished that yesterday) and a bunch of other deferred maintenance the previous owner neglected.

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

Use an OEM tensioner for the timing belt. There have been failures reported with people using ones from an aftermarket supplier.

You'll want to test your coil packs (3) when you're in there. I just replaced mine instead, because I like spending money, I guess. Have a FSM on hand or online for test points and a decent multitester.

Have you replaced the valve guide seals? You'd kick your own *** if you put it all back together and it started smoking at idle ten thousand miles later...

John B.