Jeep 4778845 Rocker Support Shaft Package

A noisy valve lash adjuster can be isolated when the engine is idling. Place a length of hose or tubing on the rocker arm cover near the position of each valve while listening at the other end. Or remove the rocker arm cover and, with the engine idling, place a finger on each of the valve spring retainers, one at a time. If a valve lash adjuster is defective, it'll be evident from the shock felt at the retainer as the valve opens. The most likely cause of a noisy valve lash adjuster is a piece of dirt trapped between the plunger and the adjuster body. Remove the rocker arm cover. Remove both rocker arms and both pushrods at the cylinder with the noisy lash adjuster. Remove the adjusters through the pushrod openings in the cylinder head. A special removal tool is available, but isn't always necessary. On newer engines without a lot of varnish buildup, adjusters can often be removed with a magnet attached to a long handle. Store the adjusters in a clearly labeled box to insure their reinstallation in the same adjuster bores. Clean the adjusters with solvent and dry them thoroughly. Do this one adjuster at a time to avoid mixing them up. Check each adjuster wall, pushrod seat and foot for scuffing, score marks and uneven wear. Each adjuster foot must be slightly convex, although this can be difficult to determine by eye. If the base of the adjuster is concave or rough, the adjusters and camshaft must be replaced. If the adjuster walls are damaged or worn, inspect the adjuster bore in the engine block as well. If the pushrod seats are worn, check the pushrod ends. If new adjusters are being installed, a new camshaft must also be installed. If a new camshaft is installed, then use new adjusters as well. Never install used adjusters unless the original camshaft is used and the adjusters can be installed in their original locations! The used adjusters must be installed in their original bores. Coat them with moly-base grease or engine assembly lube. Lubricate the bearing surfaces of the adjuster bores with engine oil. Install the adjuster(s) in the adjuster bore(s). Install the pushrods and rocker arms. Tighten the rocker arm capscrews to the specified torque. Install the rocker arm cover.

To begin with, a noisy lash adjuster can be identified by using a mechanic's stethoscope or by feeling for shocks. The noise is often due to dirt or oil issues. Before replacing adjusters, check the oil for contamination, level, cleanliness, and viscosity. You can remove the rocker arm cover and intake manifold, then the rocker arms and pushrods. Adjusters can be extracted using a special tool, magnet, or scribe. Store adjusters in a labeled box for reinstallation. Check for wear and replace worn parts as needed. Used adjusters should be reinstalled in their bores, and new ones should be oiled and greased.