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To install lifters, the valve covers and the intake manifold must be removed. Loosen all the rocker arms, but do not remove them. Loosen them enough to rotate them off the push rods. Remove the push rods and check them for gauling and straightness. Remove all the lifters two at a time since they are connected in pairs with the centering bar.
The new lifters should be submerged in oil for at least an hour before installation. This gets rid of the air and allows them to pump up much faster. Once they have been evacuated of air, use your finger to spread a little STP oil treatment on the rollers and the sides of the lifters. Pour the STP on the lobes of the camshaft to assure the camshaft does not start dry. -
Install the lifters with the centering bar facing the center of the engine. Install the push rods and make sure they are seated properly into the bore of the lifters. Rotate the rocker arms onto the top of the pushrods. Tighten the rockers down just enough so that there is no up-and-down play felt on the pushrods. Do not over-tighten. Tighten the rockers just to where they are still loose but there is no vertical play. Install the intake manifold and the distributor (if one is used).
Connect a remote starter switch or have someone help by turning the engine over when told to do so. Make sure the ignition is disabled. This is the simplest way to be absolutely sure all the valves are set perfectly. Start on either side of the engine with the closest rocker. Bump the engine over and watch the rocker arm. When the rocker arm goes down--which is opening the valve--watch for it to come back up completely. One it has gone down and back up, bump the engine one more time to make sure it does not move. This means that the lifter is on the heel of the cam. - Hold the pushrod between the fingers on one hand and loosen the rocker lock nut with the other. Loosen the rocker just enough to feel vertical play in the pushrod. Slowly tighten the nut on the rocker while continuously rocking the pushrod up and down until the pushrod no longer has free play. Tighten the rocker arm; turn to seat the pushrod into the top of the bore in the lifter. Do the same procedure for all the rockers and they will be permanently set.
