I have a 1992 3000 gt sl with 72k on it. I seldom drive it, but try to get it on short trips at least every couple of months. I has developed a a lifter noise. but I have been advised that this may be a valve lash problem rather than a bad lifter. Has anyone out there had any experience setting the valve lash on one of these things? I did most of my own repairs back when I drove Chevys but this machine w/ twin overhead cams is a bit more complex and expensive to keep on the road.

Thank for any help. Dave

 

3000gt's use hydrolic lifters their is nothing to set.


But they can get clogged and dirty with age and when that happend they will start thinking.

SOme people have had good luck with using engine flushes or prodjcts like rislone. I tried all of that in my 92 TT but none of it worked and I ended up replacing them with 99 lifters. The 99's (aka 3rd gen) lifters have larger oil flow passages and are thus not as prone to tick.

 

Alan,

Thanks for your reply. it will help! Since my origanal post, I have checked out a '94 Stealth factory manual. It appears that the lash adjuster IS the hydralic lifter inserted into the rocker arm assembly. Upon disassembly, there is a leakdown test which can be performed on the individual lash adjusters to determine the ajuster's condition. A special tool however, is recommended to ensure the adjuster does not fall out during removal of rocker arm and shaft assembly. Soaking adjusters in clean diesel fuel is part of the test process. I guess it both claeans and acts as the hydraulic fluid duing the plunger testing.

Your method of internal flushing/cleaning of course is the easiest since it does not require any teardown, so I will start there. How many miles did you have on your car before you replaced your lifers?

Pretty neat that you have the two sister cars, a gen I twin turbo and a gen II non turbo. From the pictures, it obviously appears that you do not drive either one in the winter. They both look great! I lived half of my life in southwestern Michigan before moving South, so I know firsthand the toll your winters can take on vehicles. Hopefully I can return home during the week of the St Joe Gathering this year.

Thanks again for the info.

Dave

 

Nope they never see snow.
http://mi3si.org/imagesjpg/P1223839.JPG <-- The 3000GT
http://mi3si.org/imagesjpg/snowpicture2.jpg <-- The Stealth

The 3k pic in my sig is from the trip back from Atlanta when I picked it up.
The Stealth pic is from the 2003 East Coast Gathering.

 

Alan,

You gave really good advice on this problem. I was convinced that I had a bad lash adjuster (lifter), but I figured I would try the oil additive since I didn't have anything to loose if it did not work. This morning I added a bottle of "Valve Medic" by Gunk Products to my crankcase. I had not even hit the five mile mark on the way to work, when the clatter completely went away. It turned out the lifter was just gunked up just as you said it might be! Thanks so much! You saved me a bundle. I am sure the front cam on my 3K thanks you also.

Regards, Dave

 

I'm just reciting the information I've learned from reading the forums at 3si.org

 

Green3m,

Just bought 92 SL (paid "blown engine" price $600)... saw your post - previous owner swears had no noise until he changed the oil - thought maybe had air in the lifter - but, the noise I am getting is huge!

When yours was clattering - was it awful sounding or just normal lifter noise you might have heard on an older car with solid lifters? Mine is pretty loud ... thought was spun bearing, but hoping might be something like this - long shot, but thought I would ask.

Thanks!