Procedure
1. While the hydraulic valve lash adjuster is installed in the cylinder head, press it with maximum force at the point where the camshaft contacts the lash adjuster. If the clearance compensator is in good condition, it will move downwards with great difficulty.
2. If the gap compensator moves down easily when pressed, it is faulty and must be replaced. Fill the hydraulic valve clearance compensator with engine oil, hold it vertically and squeeze it from both sides with your fingers.
The main faults of hydraulic valve clearance compensators, their causes and methods of elimination are given in the table.
Malfunction | Possible reasons | Method of elimination |
| • Temporary noise when starting a cold engine | Normal phenomenon | The noise disappears after the engine oil warms up and reaches normal pressure |
| • Continuous noise after the engine has not been started for 48 hours | Oil leaked from the chambers of the hydraulic valve clearance compensators and air got into them | The noise will disappear after 15 minutes of engine operation, when the engine crankshaft reaches a speed of 2000–3000 min⁻¹
Do not increase engine speed above 3000 min⁻¹, as this may damage the hydraulic valve clearance compensators. |
| • Continuous noise after engine start and cylinder head replacement | Not enough oil in the engine oil passages | |
| • Continuous noise after prolonged engine starting with the starter or by towing | Oil leaked from the chambers of the hydraulic valve clearance compensators and air got into them | |
| • Continuous noise after replacing hydraulic valve clearance compensators | ||
| • Continuous noise, at idle speed after driving at high speed | Engine oil level is too low or too high | Check the engine oil level |
| A large amount of air is dissolved in the oil after high speed rotation | Check the oil supply system | |
| Deterioration of motor oil properties | Check the quality of the oil and replace it if necessary | |
| • The noise continues for more than 15 minutes | Low pressure in the lubrication system | Check the quality of the oil and replace it if necessary |
| Hydraulic valve clearance compensators are faulty | Remove the cylinder head and, by pressing on the hydraulic valve clearance compensators, check the amount of their compression |