V8 Lifter Preload

**Bradtot** · 30th July 2006, 07:49 PM

Ok I have put my sons 3.5 now 4.2 v8 back together and it is now back into the car But I thought I would check the lifter preload and I find that without oil in them I get a measurement of app 70 thou on the back of the camlobe.
The block has been shaved to the point of no engine number left and the heads have been shaved twice that I am aware of. Now does anyone know where I can get shims from so I can get the preload somewhere near where its suposed to be?
Or does anyone know where to get adjustable pushrods?
I have never checked this adjustment before and so have never needed to do this even though it may have been out in my previous rebuilds.
Anyone got any advice to pass on .
I need to finish this by next weekend
Thanks
Brad

**PhilipA** · 31st July 2006, 08:26 AM

You can make the shims yourself. Just buy some brass shimstock ( it comes in 0.020, 0.030, 0.040 etc)from Blackwood Hodge and cut out the shape of the base of the pedestal. You then drill holes to match the bolt hole AND you must cut a slot to allow for the oil way in one shim each side. I cut oilways in two shims as I was not absolutely sure that which end the oilway is at. I am pretty sure its the back on the left bank and front on the right. Of course you must use the same size shim on all pedestals on each head. Apologies if I insult your intelligence.
If you are in sydney I can give you a sheet of shim stock 0.030? as you have to buy a pack and its about $60 if I recall correctly.
Regards Philip A

**Bradtot** · 31st July 2006, 07:44 PM

Thanks Phillip I managed to get some from Discovery Automotive here in Perth.
One of the mechanics has had a set he removed from a vehicle many years ago. They measure 30 thou so I will fit them and remeasure.
And no u did not insult my intelligence I just did not want to make them when I see that you can buy a kit from RPI and others in the uk, so I was probing to see if anyone had then here in aus
I will let u know what happens
good or bad
Brad

**Bradtot** · 31st July 2006, 10:19 PM

Hello Peter always happy to hear from you and your in depth lots of typing answers

I too always use the drill and shaft to pump up the oil before starting.
I am happy if the preload is about 50 its better than 70.
this has been a hard slog with this motor with all the problems I have had and then with my toyota diesel bus motor breaking a rod bolt I have had my butt hanging out on every weekend for the past 7 weeks.However I can see some sort of light at the end.
the motor is now back in and its just a matter of fitting the ancillaries and the preload and oil and then VROOOOOOOOMMMM...wel I hope so anyway.
my son said he is taking the Rangie home this sunday come hell or highwater.
Then I can get mine 82 back and start fixing the bonnet and frontal damage that happened while he had it. Then try and get another gas tank and cradle for inside so I can try and sell it with gas rather than just petrol. It will be sad to see it go, but I cannot afford to keep it running

Then maybe I can continue with fitting my ARB locker in the front of my 89 and finish fitting my dc dc convertor for the aux battery. Then If I really get enthusiastic maybe complete my 3.9 in my spare room.....however I have just been advised I am going to KL and kota kinna balu (malaysia) on sept 15 for 15 days so more delays bloody holidays

Take care Peter and thanks again
Brad

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