1993 Toyota Pickup - Valve Lifter And Tappet
What is an Engine Valve Lifter?
An engine valve lifter, also known as a hydraulic lifter or tappet, is a major part of a pushrod engine system. Engine valve lifters transfer the upward motion of the cam lobe to the pushrods and rocker arms to open and close the engine's valves. The valves are opened to allow air and exhaust to cycle in and out, and are closed for compression and combustion. The engine lifter also often has an inlet hole in the side that is filled with pressurized oil. Oil flows up through the inlet hole and the pushrod to lubricate the upper valve train components, and low oil pressure or contaminated oil can cause clogging and increase the potential for damage. Lifters can also become stuck, causing accelerated camshaft wear and preventing valves from opening or closing as they should. Symptoms that your engine valve lifters may need to be replaced include an illuminated Check Engine warning light, misfires, decreased fuel economy, reduced acceleration power, and vibrations or ticking noises from the engine while driving or idling. A stuck lifter may also cause the valve to stay in the open position, which may allow the piston to contact and bend the valve or lead to more severe damage. Ensure your vehicle maintains power and runs its best by replacing valve lifters and adjusting the valve train accordingly as needed. At O'Reilly Auto Parts, we offer engine valve lifters for your repairs, and also have performance lifters for select applications to enhance your engine's performance to help you get the job done right.