Can anyone explain what the purpose of lash caps are? I'm missing one and need to know if I really need to replace them. Do I really need to use them? Thanks, Lika
They take up the slack between the rocker and valve stem tip.You should use em if all the parts are stock or replacement stock stuff.Without em you could force the engine to drop a valve.
If you are missing one, you really need to replace it before driving it anymore. AND try to find the missing one.
OK that's What I needed to know Which do you guys recommend ? Do you know what size I need? ???????????? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-619-16/?image=large
Pull one off of another valve, take it to an engine shop or builder. They can measure it and sell you some more. Most likely in a set of 8 or 16, so you might have a couple left over. They are cheap, though. My cam is running a weird setup where I need lashcaps only on 8 of the 16. Exhaust only, I think. I think it was about $8 for the set of lashcaps.
Thanks! Now I just found that some of the valve plungers are broken. Anyone know how to replace them? Is it easy - do I need special tools? Nevermind - I have to figure out what that part is really called- must not be valve plungers... It's inside the spring - not touching the spring but is around the rod and looks like it moves w/the rod up and down. It is kind of cone or dome shaped. Anyone know what it is? Some are ok but I can see 2 right away that are in pieces...
yep what they said, you need them, keeps the rocker arm from hitting the retainer and could cause a valve to drop. also protects valve stem tip, are just a few things... the other sounds like your valve stem seals. and yes try and find the old lash cap if you can, it can do terrrible things inside the engine if it gets to the wrong parts. I don't think ford sells them any more? but you can find them at the junk yard and local engine builder/machine shop. good luck!!!
Sounds like it is time to pop off those heads, send them in to have them cleaned, have the valves tested to be sure they are not bent and have them reseated, swap out those seals, and the guy that does all of this will most likely have the lash caps laying aroud. This should run you around $100 or so. So it won't break the bank. Of course, all of this can be done at home, but it is cheap enough to let someone else do it, especially if you don't have the correct tools.
The lash caps are hardened and must be used with the rail type guided rockers. Otherwise the lips on either side of the rocker will cut into the valve. If you replace valves without lash caps dont use the rail type rockers. Change to guide plates with new studs and rockers. They were also suppose to help with valve rotation which is still a big problem even on the new cars. Our gas quality in Ontario is terrible and valve rotation is a big problem. Misfires to burnt valves.
