8BA Lifters?
 

A quick question. I'm reading back pages, learning as much as I can. Today I got one complete valve/guide assembly out, so I know how to do the others. This seems like a good engine, but crusty as you know what.

So, the lifter? Is it supposed to just pull up out of it's hole? Circlip or anything holding it? Still too dirty in there to see well. Tried searching, every relevant post mentions valve/guide/spring, etc., but not the lifter. Thanks!!

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Lifter should come right out, there are no retainers.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

"should" lift right out. Only thing holding in its' hole is the valve. Can your turn the engine (and cam) over enough to move the lifter up, or is it too crusty?

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Thanks a lot, guys! I can turn the engine, but valves are real sticky. I'll pull one out first thing tomorrow.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Nope. Not always that easy. I've had to beat the lifters up with a 1/4" brass rod beside the cam lobe. They get crudded up on the bottom edge too.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

It's a good day when you can get a valve assembly out of a lot of these engines!

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

I only got 15 more to do! That brass rod deal is exactly the kind of thing I'd expect. Still beats playing golf.

I'm starting to think maybe this engine has never been apart from new. Standard bore, main problem is it's been dormant for years. 1950, the bottom layer of all this crud is the same age as me.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

spray it with carb cleaner and work it up and down.it will disolve the varnish/sludge and should come out unless it rusty .

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Van Pelt has a V8 Lifter removal tool that makes any valve project easier.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ls_forsale.htm

After compressing the valve sping you can better remove the circlip which is in a groove at the bottom of the valve guide. Looks like a horseshoe with a tab on it. Look at Van Pelts online catalog at the valve sets he sells. You will see the clips at the top center of the photo.
You can also use the tool to apply upward pressure on the valve guide. You do not have to remove the valve to do this. If it's crusty soak it overnight with liquid wrench as suggested.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Going pretty well. I got one whole side out today, lifters and all.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Great, keep plugging away. Enjoy the adventure.

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Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Aren't I going to be re-using these lifters?

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

If you keep them in order so you know which lobe they go on...

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Hi leon, likely not, check across the bottoms with a "true" straight-edge, if there is no longer a "crown/radius" on the bottoms (higher in the center than the sides) they are done in this lifetime??

From a business standpoint and regardless whether the "crown's" are still present or not, we could never reuse old lifters no matter what the customer would like, way too risky for us to be able to stand behind the build!!

It may also be time to consider stepping up to some bronze-lined guides??

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. If you decide to go "new", make certain to use ONLY the original "Johnson" tappets. Avoid any listed as "lightweight" replacements, Johnson "style" lifters, etc, etc. Use ONLY the original Johnson's, they are still available.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Original lifters can also be resurface/reground/crowned again - if they are not too worn. There is nothing wrong with original lifters if you have a rebuilder who knows how to do the valve work as Henry originally did (adjusting valve lengths to set the valve lash). With that said, many rebuilders just replace them with 'adjustables' - as it is the easy route to go and if you have a good supplier, then they can work just fine. You can also resurface original Johnsons - just like you can resurface original lifters.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Very interesting, and I'm paying attention.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

I had one guide which was broken in two crosswise. Happened a long ways back because the two sections were a little hammered where they fit together. Was this common? My lifters are the adjustable type. Can't figure out when engine was built, when did this start?

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

There may be a rebuild date stamped somewhere on the intake mounting surface or a tag attached to the block somewhere that gives the rebuild date.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Okay. Did any 8BAs come with adjustable lifters? I did a google search and I've now read over 300 pages of old posts, but haven't figured this one out yet.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

No, Ford did not install adjustable lifters. Are they the sold lifters or the hollow ones?

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Thanks JSeery. I was tired and didn't study them. They have an oblong hole running kinda diagonally down the side. Been trying to figure out if this engines been apart previously, so I guess it has. Everything else seems original, but I'm a motorcycle guy mostly.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

I guess I could be wrong, but I have never heard or seen of adjustable lifters in an original factory engine. Can you post a photo of the lifter?

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

I will, yes. Don't get to my shop every day. I'm eager to check the bottom of them like y'all said. I wasn't really having any reason to think the engine was completely original, just hadn't seen any sign of anyone being in there.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

So I looked at my adjustable lifters today, the 8 I have out of the block. They are hollow, with three oblong diagonal slots on each. They look good. But, they are dead flat on the bottom.....nice and polished. Straight edge shows them dead flat, set them on my heavy saw table they don't rock at all.

And this is NOT good, correct? And I might needs be making other plans for lifters? Thanks to all you not tired of advising me about my lifters!

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

This has been discussed here before. As I recall, at least some flathead lifters were flat on the bottom from the factory, so yours may be OK.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Double post

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

"So I looked at my adjustable lifters today, the 8 I have out of the block. They are hollow, with three oblong diagonal slots on each. They look good. But, they are dead flat on the bottom.....nice and polished. Straight edge shows them dead flat, set them on my heavy saw table they don't rock at all."

Sounds like a Johnson Lifter.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Having a little trouble getting the pics on here. Here's how all mine look, shiny and dead flat on the bottom. I ain't one to throw things away, do I need new ones? Thanks!

Edit: My next picture is of the bottom, but can't seem to get it on here. I'll try tomorrow.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Did ford install adjustable lifters in their 4 cylinder tractor engines?

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Go back and search for threads on this site dealing with adjustable lifters. You will find pictures of the holes that you will want to drill to make the adjusting easier. I would not plan on just using those cute little adjustable lifter adjustment tools to keep the lifter from turning when you try to adjust them. I have snapped the little tabs off of them.
I will try to find you a photo.
You will find great information on the "how to" of the process.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Here is the post I was referring to:
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthrea...ustable+lifter

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

I'm sure you are aware that there are many firms that will re-surface your lifters (Egge is just one example). It would be a shame to lose a set of original Johnson's.

Re: 8BA Lifters?
 

Tub: Don't be sure I'm aware of ANYthing on these engines.

Chap: Thanks a lot. I've now reviewed over 400 pages of old posts, but hadn't seen that yet.

Thanks to everybody.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...psp8ioqxc4.jpg