Adjustable Lifters

[Fordman487]

Can anyone share an opinion about weather or not to have the machine shop install adjustable lifters in my '35 rebuild? I've heard pro's and con's and am looking for feedback from the Ford Barn folks......

Thanks!

[alanwoodieman]

install quality adjustable lifters, even used are better than having to grind the valve stems to set the adjustment. be sure to drill the lifter bores to aid in adjustment

[GOSFAST]

Originally Posted by Fordman487

Can anyone share an opinion about weather or not to have the machine shop install adjustable lifters in my '35 rebuild? I've heard pro's and con's and am looking for feedback from the Ford Barn folks......

Thanks!

If you go adjustable use ONLY the original "Johnson" tappets, nothing else. They are still available from the original mfr.

We normally purchase them by the "trays" still.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Try to avoid any lifters listed as "Johnson-Style" these are not the originals and may be and most likely are off-shore products!

[4t8v8]

Put my adjustable tappets in 33 years ago and haven't touched them since. When I put my 4bbl intake on 10 years ago I checked them. Didn't have to adjust any of them. As GOSFAST said - only use the "Johnson's".

[Kube]

Post #2 and #3 are spot on.
The modern adjustable lifters are simply (in my opinion) not worth the risk of installation. I have personally come upon a number of them that were soft and had they been installed, would have certainly failed rather quickly. Fortunately I knew to check them and the the proper means to do so.
I have heard but not personally experienced that many modern replacements are poorly made and as such will not hold their settings.

I am all for adjustable lifters but as has advised in previous posts, locate "good -used" or buy directly from Johnson.

[bruce lee]

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I didn't know you can still get lifters from Johnson. Does anyone how their contact info. And how sure are you all that they don't have them made overseas to save money too?

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by bruce lee

I didn't know you can still get lifters from Johnson. Does anyone how their contact info. And how sure are you all that they don't have them made overseas to save money too?

Gary GOSFAST has them in stock !
PM him

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by bruce lee

I didn't know you can still get lifters from Johnson. Does anyone how their contact info. And how sure are you all that they don't have them made overseas to save money too?

I ran it down a year or so ago, but don't remember all the details. It was a little funny, because the gentleman I talked to had worked there forever and knew what I was referring to, but said he had not heard anything about them for years! I had a part number and he looked it up and said, damn we do still sell them!

[Charles Brock]

Originally Posted by JSeery

I ran it down a year or so ago, but don't remember all the details. It was a little funny, because the gentleman I talked to had worked there forever and knew what I was referring to, but said he had not heard anything about them for years! I had a part number and he looked it up and said, damn we do still sell them!

What is the part number and contact info for Johnson?
Thanks

[JSeery]

Ok, found the old post, here are some quotes from it:

http://www.nopi.com/dsp_makesv.php?vv=799

From the TopLine site: In 2004, Hylift-Johnson Lifters was purchased as a division of TopLine Automotive Engineering. The previous Hylift O.E. lines that were in Zeeland, MI have now been relocated to the Muskegon plant. These high quality flat mechanical tappets, lash adjusters, buckets and encapsulated hydraulic roller lifters are being produced by the original Hylift machines and team. The same people that brought you “The Beautiful Lifter” are back manufacturing with precision and a dedication to quality that has not been seen in the lifter business for quite a few years. We feel the real value is not in the equipment or the plant but with the employees who have over 600 years of Hylift experience. Topline Hylift Johnson will continue its historical way of going to market by traditional means of distribution through a select group of customers.

OK, here is the story. Called NOPI and the counter guy said no one had ask for flathead lifters in years, last he could remember was in the 60s! LOL But, he did some checking and yes they do have them!

$14.85 each or $237.60 for a set of 16 and $248.60 with shipping. Normal shipping is two days. $11 for shipping doesn't sound to bad, they are fairly heavy for there size.

Part #B2032

Phone number 1 800-277-6674 then Est #1
Talked to Bobby, very friendly and helpful!!!

Company is NOPI and division is TopLine.

[tubman]

I find the last paragraph on the "Topline" web site referenced by "JSeery" to be quite interesting. Also the fact that the links to the images appear to be broken. I think it means : "Get 'em while you can, boys!".

[BillM]

The Topline site now doesn't show the B-2032 lifter, just the A-2032 which looks like its not hollow. http://www.showmetheparts.com/topline/

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by BillM

The Topline site now doesn't show the B-2032 lifter, just the A-2032 which looks like its not hollow. http://www.showmetheparts.com/topline/

That's not what I get:


TOPLINE Engine Compartment > Cam Follower/Lifter

Unit of Measure: EA
Part Number: 125+0455
Mfg Part Number: B-2032
Sugg. Retail Price $52.93
*
$31.76 NOPI Price
*
Phone: 800-277-6674
Email: Sales

But there is not an image, so not sure about solid or hollow.

[papanomad]

cgm motorsports advertise real johnson adjustable lifters. are they real johnson lifters?

[tubman]

NOPI price $31.76; that's over $500 for a set of lifters (with shipping)! Add in another $500 for a set of ARP head studs, washers and nuts and you don't even have a good start. Now you can see why flatheads are so expensive to build!

[tubman]

Here's what it says in the CGM Motorsports ad on eBay : "Don't get caught up in hollow lifters light weight Don't forget they are full of oil which is weight!!" They do say the are made in the USA by Hylift-Johnson. It also says only a limited quantity available. More and more it looks like the end may be coming. The good news is these guys only want $219 a set.

[Ronnie]

The lifter discussion has been beaten to death. Read on

https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en-C...pe=&as_rights=

R

[fordwife]

On the 59AB I recently rebuilt I used the old non adjustable lifters, and very carefully ground each valve stem using a set of go-no go guages. It takes time to do it , but once its done right you should never have to adjust them again until the engine needs valve work , and it saves a lot of money.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by fordwife

On the 59AB I recently rebuilt I used the old non adjustable lifters, and very carefully ground each valve stem using a set of go-no go guages. It takes time to do it , but once its done right you should never have to adjust them again until the engine needs valve work , and it saves a lot of money.

I have a question about this. After some miles, does this gap widen due to wear?

[barnfind08]

I still have regular lifters $48.00/16 and $8.00 usps. for anyone that wants to go that route.

[37 Coupe]

I have never seen a widened gap in the miles that lead to a valve job or a complete engine overhaul. Usually the valve seat area would lower the stem narrowing the gap.Its funny that this series of post seems to favor the use of adjustables others have gone completely the other way non adjustables and grinding the stem to fit. I used adjustables on two engines in the last 30 years,the first ones were the solid adjustables that ISKY supplies with their cam kits and they seem to be okay,think some call them Ford tractor valve adjusters.The last set I didn't want to use adjustables because I heard on early Fordbarn that some were junk China made. I had this engine at a shop and they insisted on using adjustables even though I pointed out to them they had excellent equipment to grind the stems.They argued that future adjustments would be easier and timewise they did not want to spend a hlf day or more grinding . I finally agreed to just get things going but insisted that I supply the adjustables not the tractor ones they were going to use.I bought the ones from Red Hamilton when he still owned Red's and the ones he recommended. They may have been made in Australia or New Zealand,don't remember. The engine shop had a devil of a time with them,busted knuckles and busted wrenches trying to move the adjustment screw. Took them a lot longer than grinding would have taken so they said.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe

I have never seen a widened gap in the miles that lead to a valve job or a complete engine overhaul. Usually the valve seat area would lower the stem narrowing the gap.Its funny that this series of post seems to favor the use of adjustables others have gone completely the other way non adjustables and grinding the stem to fit. I used adjustables on two engines in the last 30 years,the first ones were the solid adjustables that ISKY supplies with their cam kits and they seem to be okay,think some call them Ford tractor valve adjusters.The last set I didn't want to use adjustables because I heard on early Fordbarn that some were junk China made. I had this engine at a shop and they insisted on using adjustables even though I pointed out to them they had excellent equipment to grind the stems.They argued that future adjustments would be easier and timewise they did not want to spend a hlf day or more grinding . I finally agreed to just get things going but insisted that I supply the adjustables not the tractor ones they were going to use.I bought the ones from Red Hamilton when he still owned Red's and the ones he recommended. They may have been made in Australia or New Zealand,don't remember. The engine shop had a devil of a time with them,busted knuckles and busted wrenches trying to move the adjustment screw. Took them a lot longer than grinding would have taken so they said.

I got two sets from Red's about three, maybe four years ago. Within both sets I'd found a couple of soft ones.

I prefer adjustable as I can "dial them in" to where I want them. With non-adjustable type, you are at the mercy of the initial valve grind. Just my preference. No doubt there are as many valid reasons for going with the non-adjustable type.

[37 Coupe]

But again the gap would narrow not widen at least at first with a poorly ground or non matching valve and seat.Correct?

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by Kube

I got two sets from Red's about three, maybe four years ago. Within both sets I'd found a couple of soft ones.

I prefer adjustable as I can "dial them in" to where I want them. With non-adjustable type, you are at the mercy of the initial valve grind. Just my preference. No doubt there are as many valid reasons for going with the non-adjustable type.

In the adjustable lifters available today from most of the well known vendors you may find some that feel tight and others that feel 'soft' or loose. If like me, you have a set that seems a bit 'offshore' then you should look at a thread I started called 'loose in the lifters'. Whether or not you choose to use the repops like I did, it's interesting to actually have the ability to test them with an inch-pound torque wrench or a 5 lb flour sack tester like I show. It seems that the goal is to have 5 ft lbs (60 inch lbs) of torque before they turn. Make sure you have them threaded very close to where you be using them. It can make a difference. Also because I never reported back on that thread, the questionable lifters I used passed the file test in that a new good quality file did not cut or mark the body of the lifter.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe

But again the gap would narrow not widen at least at first with a poorly ground or non matching valve and seat.Correct?

I guess you'd be right. It would get tighter with wear and not wider.

[RKS.PA]

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Followed up on JSeery's post of yesterday and called NOPI. Quoted the part # B-2032 and the price, including shipping of $248.60. Russ, who took my order, agreed to price, checked availability, and emailed me a copy of my invoice. Lifters are drop shipped from their vendor in Chicago. NOPI's part # is 125+0455. Will report back on country of origin etc. when I get them next week.

If original Johnson's, timing of this thread is really good for me because we're at the lifter stage of the rebuild!!!

Dick.

[37 Coupe]

I took apart a supposedly very low mileage 1939 engine about 15 years ago and saw something that I still cannot figure out or have ever seen. Every valve stem end was concave,mushroom stems so quite a wide area. I do not know if they wore this way or someone did a valve job only on this engine and did this intentionally or tried facing them in a lathe and could only cut the center. I would imagine the entire stem would be hard not just the case but I don't know. The rest of the engine had never been touched and had the original steel pistons that Ford used in these 91A engines. Mayby the hardening was off and that is how they woreout.

[throwback]

Any thoughts on Allied adjustable lifters (for ford and mecury V8 engines)?

[supereal]

We use straight stem valves in all of our old Ford rebuilds. Usually they are Chevy valves which we have found more durable. This requires adjustable lifters, of course, but when we are done, all valve clearances are correct, and any noisy ones can be easily corrected.When grinding stems for clearance, it is almost impossible to not have at least one that clicks, as most old Ford mechanics can confirm.

[Ross F-1]

When it came time for my rebuild, the shop asked which way to go on the lifters. They said a valve job for adjustables was $100, a stock valve job (non-adjustables) was $200. That essentially cut the cost of adjustables in half. He said no one had chosen a stock job in the last 10 years....

I will say, a stock valve job done right, with original lifters makes for one of the quietest engines ever made!

[Shoebox]

Gary aka GOSFAST,

When you get time, could you post a pic of the Johnson lifters you buy by the tray?

Thanks much!

[GOSFAST]

Originally Posted by Shoebox

Gary aka GOSFAST,

When you get time, could you post a pic of the Johnson lifters you buy by the tray?

Thanks much!

No problem, will put a couple shots below here!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. These are the brand ONLY lifters we will use on any build leaving here. The ride in my signature now has over 30,000 miles on it and no issues. After handling/selling hundreds of these we haven't had a single bad piece, that really says much about the product!

[Tim Ayers]

Wait, so these original Johnsons are solids? They don't make the hollow ones any more? How are these any different from the ones that Isky sells?

[GB SISSON]

To me, I think the fact that they have a long history of not losing their adjustment far outweighs other factors. But then I putt around at about 1500 rpms and consider 2500 'wound out'. Since they are solid, do the threads continue down past the bolt when bottomed out? The hollow ones I've worked with lose some of their grip as the bolt's stem enters the void as there is no longer as much interference in the threads. If the bolt's necked down portion is fairly low, then they would still hold well when jacked up for a performance cam.

[cas3]

the solids gary posted look like the ones on ebay marketed as being the real deal. true?

[Ronnie]

Top line 2017 lifter cat explore it a2032 is flathead #

http://hylift-johnson.com/wp-content...talog_2014.pdf

R

[wjfraser]

I have a set of adjustable lifters, but don't know if they are Johnsons. Are Johnstons marked as such, in any way? Thanks for info.

[JSeery]

The A-2032 is all I am seeing in the catalog.

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by JSeery

The A-2032 is all I am seeing in the catalog.

And your question is??

[RKS.PA]

Ordered the Hylift Johnsons on 3/22 from NOPI and they arrived yesterday 3/25 by FedEx.

Part # on box is B-2032 as JSeery reported above and manufacture dates stamped on each box of 4 range from 1/26/17 to 2/21/17. Boxes say Hylift Johnson A Division of Topline Automotive, Muskegon, USA. Am a dunce at posting pictures, but think these are the modern day, "real deal". Topline Automotive website states "Made in USA".

Once in my 59AB block, and fired up, will report back.

Dick.

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by RKS.PA

Ordered the Hylift Johnsons on 3/22 from NOPI and they arrived yesterday 3/25 by FedEx.

Part # on box is B-2032 as JSeery reported above and manufacture dates stamped on each box of 4 range from 1/26/17 to 2/21/17. Boxes say Hylift Johnson A Division of Topline Automotive, Muskegon, USA. Am a dunce at posting pictures, but think these are the modern day, "real deal". Topline Automotive website states "Made in USA".

Once in my 59AB block, and fired up, will report back.

Dick.

Yes they are the real deal but not hollow but that isn't a problem with a daily driver and 50lb spring pressure.They are produced in the USA and "NOT" offshore. I believe the "a" and "b" in part numbers is in reference to the packaging single as opposed to a box of 4.

R

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Ronnie

And your question is??

Don't have a question Ronnie, just posting some information.

[marko39]

i bought a set of the solid type in 1992 from Terrill Machine in Texas. they are unmarked and box is marked VL-36. price was $64.00 plus $3.00 for pair of wrenches which are marked Johnson.

[Ol' Ron]

When I started building engines for sale back in the lat 80's that's all I could find. Never had a problem with them. I had some light weight used lifters that I had JWL re grind, I used them on my engines. never had any problems with them either. I think the problem came when they started making them over seas.. Poor quality control.

[19Fordy]

For what it's worth the Johnson adjustables I bought in 1968 were hollow and
were in a cardboard box marked WOLVERINE Manufacturing Co. in MI.

[Curt in AZ]

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I recently purchased a set of adjustable lifters from Speedway. Now I wonder if they are quality lifters. Any experience?

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by Curt in AZ

I recently purchased a set of adjustable lifters from Speedway. Now I wonder if they are quality lifters. Any experience?

Did they come in a clear plastic package with 16 round recesses? I can't imagine there are too many different outfits that manufacture these things. About half of mine were too loose when cranked to the dimension needed. If you have an inch-lb torque wrench, put them in a wood jawed vise and test them for 60 inch lbs. Also see if a known good quality file will cut into the body. When I ordered mine last fall I thought finding real Johnsons was next to impossible. I fixed mine by compressing the bolts endwise in a good vice until 60 inch-lbs ( 5 ft lbs) was obtained and they passed the file test so I'm feeling ok. Next time I will go straight to the Johnsons/hi lift product mentioned in this thread. I don't care if they are hollow or solid. I just want to know they will stay put.

[Curt in AZ]

Thanks GB. I'll check them today as you suggest.

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

Did they come in a clear plastic package with 16 round recesses? I can't imagine there are too many different outfits that manufacture these things. About half of mine were too loose when cranked to the dimension needed. If you have an inch-lb torque wrench, put them in a wood jawed vise and test them for 60 inch lbs. Also see if a known good quality file will cut into the body. When I ordered mine last fall I thought finding real Johnsons was next to impossible. I fixed mine by compressing the bolts endwise in a good vice until 60 inch-lbs ( 5 ft lbs) was obtained and they passed the file test so I'm feeling ok. Next time I will go straight to the Johnsons/hi lift product mentioned in this thread. I don't care if they are hollow or solid. I just want to know they will stay put.

[Curt in AZ]

My lifters are Isky brand from Speedway, not Speedway brand. They say "Made in US." They are solid, have about 65 inch pounds and passed the file test so I'll install them and see how they last. Anyone have any experience with this lifters?

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

Did they come in a clear plastic package with 16 round recesses? I can't imagine there are too many different outfits that manufacture these things. About half of mine were too loose when cranked to the dimension needed. If you have an inch-lb torque wrench, put them in a wood jawed vise and test them for 60 inch lbs. Also see if a known good quality file will cut into the body. When I ordered mine last fall I thought finding real Johnsons was next to impossible. I fixed mine by compressing the bolts endwise in a good vice until 60 inch-lbs ( 5 ft lbs) was obtained and they passed the file test so I'm feeling ok. Next time I will go straight to the Johnsons/hi lift product mentioned in this thread. I don't care if they are hollow or solid. I just want to know they will stay put.

[Talkwrench]

I'm watching all this with interest.. I should buy a set for this engine I'm building. From memory I did see something about drilling the lifter bores, anyone have info on this or is not required ?

[flatjack9]

Yes it is required if you want to adjust the lifters easily. Drill low in the lifter bore. I use a long center punch and then a long 1/8" drill.

[fordwife]

I believe that the reason for this is hold them in one position while adjusting.

[cas3]

an old thread on drilling https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135103

[Talkwrench]

I take it that it does not hurt if you end up going back to a standard lifter?

[Lawrie]

Rob, use the stock lifters,lighter and never loose the adjustment
Lawrie

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by Talkwrench

I take it that it does not hurt if you end up going back to a standard lifter?

To answer your question I see no reason whatsoever that this 1/8" hole would be detrimental should you go back to original solid lifters. In fact it should increase the oiling of the lifter. I wish I had bought your Speedway lifters. They pass the test with flying colors. Perhaps since they are solid and resemble the Johnson/Hilift product, along with the unusual 'made in usa', we might assume they are sourced from Johnson/hilift, and are indeed the same lifters. ???