eBay Valve Lash Adjusters

[Lynn Larsen]

I own a dodge stealth as my daily driver. It has a DOHC engine and uses cam followers to depress the valves. Obviously, one end rests on the valve tip, and the other rests on a hydraulic valve lash adjuster which maintains it height with oil pressure. These, like hydaulic lifters, make it unnecessary to adjust the valve lash. The stock pre-99 valve lash adjusters have an inlet that is so tiny, that they are forever clogging and making a hell of a racket.

I am about to put new, larger inlet adjusters in the car because the noise, which everyone says is annoying but not destructive, is very embarrassing. I have found several sets of these adjuster on eBay, but I would like to make sure they will actually fix the problem and not make it worse. Has anyone here used any of these eBay pieces? Could you share your experience with them please and your impression of their quality?

Thanks
Lynn

 

[Chris Kouba]

Lynn,

I had a Talon with the same issue which had rather high mileage. I did swap lifters as they were knocking like a box o'rocks and it was the best thing I ever did for the car. Cool things happen when the valves open all the way!

The lifters I purchased (2.0 liter 4 cyl) supposedly had larger openings to cure the issue and worked well, although they were expensive from the dealership (I think they were $15/each). FWIW, all the DSM nerds I talked to said there wasn't any other way to shut them up than replace them.

So, don't know about the ebay source but YEP(!) it did cure the ills. Also, no it seems to not be destructive (lots of personal imperical evidence).

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Lynn Larsen]

Chris,

Thanks a lot! I have treated them with various engine flushes and Marvel Mystery Oil, but the noise always comes back. This time I am going to fix the problem! I used to be a member of the 3SI.org forum (3000GT/Stealth International) and I finally found an eBay seller that at least 20 forum members got the lash adjusters from. They all seemed to be happy with them and the purchases go back to late 2005. These will cost, at most if I use buy it now, $5.15 each. That's not a bad price 'cause when you have 24 of them dealer prices can get expensive real quick.

Regards,
Lynn

 

[Chris Kouba]

Oh the memories... Sounds like we've been down similar paths. I too tried all sort of the chemical remedies with varying degrees of very temporary success. I finally got sick of the clatter (once it started to sound like a friend's diesel) and ponied up for the adjusters.

I had the manual and removed the cams and such to do the R&R, however a DSM buddy informed me (later, of course) that it's possible to tweak the follower and pop the lifters out with the cams in. I can't remember the exact procedure though and the cams went back in fine. Took just the afternoon.

I had the TSi and it was a FUN car. Good power once the valves were opening and AWD. When I was ski patroling it was invincible getting to the mountain as well as quick and decent on fuel. I am thinking about picking up another one at this point actually.

Good luck and have fun, especially if they're ~$5! My total bill was around $240 I think (got the vavle cover gasket set too or something). Go for it.

Chris