how to install valve lifters on 2.9l without tearing the whole thing apart

[stamina]

how do i install brand new valve lifters on a 2.9 v6 without tearing the whole thing apart. she’s ticking like all hell. i saw a video where a guy removed the valve cover, then rocker arms, then pushrods and used a grabber type tool to pull the lifters out? is this possible on the 2.9 or could i use a strong magnet grabber? any tips and all information is appreciated

 

[bobbywalter]

Take the heads off.

 

[tw205]

I believe the 2.9 is like the 2.8 in that the head prevents the lifters from being removed without removing the head. Replacing the lifters may not solve your issue. Have you used an aftermarket oil gauge to get a pressure reading. Don’t trust factory gauge or idiot light as their accuracy is severely disappointing. New lifters with low oil pressure will tick same as the old.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

May not even be a pressure problem as much as a supply problem. Passages to the top end can get gummed up.

 

[stamina]

Take the heads off.

how difficult is removing the heads with the motor still in the truck? i really don’t have a means of getting it out of the vehicle

 

[rumblecloud]

I pulled mine off of a '94 4.0 and I have never done anything that extensive before. So it can be done. Is it easy? Meh...mine, not so much as the left side head bolts were corroded to the point of having to grind them off. Depends on the condition of the attaching parts and your definition of easy.

 

[Blmpkn]

Kinda way overkill to pull a motor just to replace lifters anyways.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

how difficult is removing the heads with the motor still in the truck? i really don’t have a means of getting it out of the vehicle

Not hard....its very doable. But plan on having to drill out a few exhaust studs that snap off in the head,

 

[rumblecloud]

Ohhhh...forgot about that

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Odds are, it's not just lifters. I thought I had lifter noise... nope. Cam had worn over 1/4 inch on some lobes.

 

[tw205]

It’s a simple enough job but the difficulty comes in with age and rust. If the peripheral parts, especially exhaust haven’t been off recently it’s not gonna come off without a fight.
Before you dive in I would try a little more diagnostic work. R&R the heads to replace lifters with no oil pressure isn’t gonna fix your tick. First I’d clean the engine internals with whatever product (like seafoam) you feel comfortable with to try and clean out some sludge. Fresh 10w40 with a quart of Lucas oil treatment and a Motorcraft filter. Price a cheap oil gauge. It’s worth the coin.
These engines have a poor oil design for the top end. Worn cam bearings will cause loss of pressure in the top end and excessive ticking. If the cam bearings are bad your new lifters will still tick. My first move would be to see if there is any oil pressure.
Keep us updated on your decisions and progress.

 

[Angie]

no idea if this will help you or not. but i did a small write up on changing head gaskets last fall....

cheers

Blown head gasket replacing 4.L

This takes off from upper intake removal. As I didn't take any pics before this section. I have the driver head off this is how I left it last night. The clean piston top is the blown head gasket. So after the head is removed a look over the gasket shows the problems. After the heads are...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[stamina]

It’s a simple enough job but the difficulty comes in with age and rust. If the peripheral parts, especially exhaust haven’t been off recently it’s not gonna come off without a fight.
Before you dive in I would try a little more diagnostic work. R&R the heads to replace lifters with no oil pressure isn’t gonna fix your tick. First I’d clean the engine internals with whatever product (like seafoam) you feel comfortable with to try and clean out some sludge. Fresh 10w40 with a quart of Lucas oil treatment and a Motorcraft filter. Price a cheap oil gauge. It’s worth the coin.
These engines have a poor oil design for the top end. Worn cam bearings will cause loss of pressure in the top end and excessive ticking. If the cam bearings are bad your new lifters will still tick. My first move would be to see if there is any oil pressure.
Keep us updated on your decisions and progress.

how do i install oil pressure gauge for top end?

 

[tw205]

An oil pressure gauge will monitor pressure for the whole system. There is a sensor on the engine now that does that but it is notoriously inaccurate. A new gauge will come with everything you need and instructions to install it. It is very simple. You will remove the old sensor and install new piece that runs an oil line from the engine to the cab where you will connect it to a gauge that measures the pressure. Anybody here can give advice help but you will see it’s a very simple job.

 

[stamina]

An oil pressure gauge will monitor pressure for the whole system. There is a sensor on the engine now that does that but it is notoriously inaccurate. A new gauge will come with everything you need and instructions to install it. It is very simple. You will remove the old sensor and install new piece that runs an oil line from the engine to the cab where you will connect it to a gauge that measures the pressure. Anybody here can give advice help but you will see it’s a very simple job.

gotchu, i thought you meant i would have to do it on the top end, i know where that sensor thread is and i will do that soon and report back