Replacing Lifters

[milehighbear]

I've replaced lifters before on 60's, 70's cars and loved working on them. I ordered new lifters for my 93 and when I got them I was totally surprised. I couldn't believe how small they are. They are just a little bit bigger than a pencil eraser. I was astonished. So now I just have to replace them. So basically, I just have to remove valve cover, unbolt the tappet bar and just pull the lifters out. I read somewhere that I should soak them in oil night before, is that correct. Is there a video out there showing the procedure or am I pretty close as to replacing them. TY for any assistance.

[Sid_RallyX_82]

HLAs do need to be soaked overnight. They have an orriface on the side for oil to enter (they might have two, each opposite the other). Set them in a bucket of fresh oil with the orriface facing up so that air can bleed out and oil in. Also, I would suggest changing the oil and adding zinc-additive just before you instal the new lifters to help them break in nicely. Not a major requirement, just a precaution. I take preventive measures whenever possible. Other than that, remove old gasket material, apply new gaskets, and torque specs.

[TominMO]

Right, soak 'em in oil so they are pre-filled. Squeeze them a few times when still in the oil, to help get oil in there. That will prevent or cut down on lifter clatter during initial startup after replacement.

--How to pull the rocker arms is in the Haynes manual, Chapter 2A, section 9. Start with step 6, after removing the valve cover. Note pic showing loosening and tightening sequence.
--Pull one whole side off as a unit, to avoid confusion in reassembly. Leave everything intact and just flip over the rocker arm to access the lifter. Helps to mark one as the intake side and the other as exhaust, so you don't mix them up. Or just pay attention to what you are doing (revolutionary concept!).
--When reinstalling, torque the rocker arm bolts to 16 - 21 ft-lbs, in three steps such as 8 ft-lbs, 12 ft-lbs, then final torque. Make sure to check repeatedly (when initially finger-tightening) that the hard black plastic spacers are not stuck under the bolt caps you are tightening down. They tend to move on you. They will break if compressed. (Ask me how I know.)