Camshaft, Lifters and Push Rods: Testing and Inspection

ROCKER LEVER, VALVE STEM, PUSH ROD, TAPPET AND CAMSHAFT





Excessive valve lash can indicate a worn valve stem or rocker lever.





Loose rocker levers and the need to re-set the valve clearance frequently, can also indicate cam lobe or tappet wear. If an inspection of the levers, valve stems and push rods does not show wear, tappet and/or cam lobe wear can be suspected.





CAUTION: Anytime a new camshaft is installed, new tappets must also be installed.

The camshaft should be removed from the block to properly inspect the lobes. Tappets must also be removed to inspect the faces.





A severely damaged camshaft journal(s) can generate metal chips which will be found in the pan and filter. As the clearance in the journal(s) increases, a small reduction in oil pressure may be detected.