Any way to tell if a 2.0 rebuilt engine is hydro or not?

crsgrant

I'm at the point of starting a mystery rebuilt 2 ltr engine that is installed in my 72 bus. I know this, it is a '75 engine rebuilt by Gex. When adjusting valves the pushrods seem to be squishy when at .06 is there anyway to find out if it's hydro or not without taking out the pushrods tube and rocker arm? Didn't want to start it without proper adjustment. Help needed in Pdx! lifter puller:P

chabanais · Samba Member Joined: July 27, 2002 Posts: 4866

If it's rebuilt by GEX lifters are the least of your problems.

As to the answer of your question:

A can tell if you have hydraulic lifters in a couple ways. First, pull either valve cover. Take a "mini Mag" flashlight and look up a pushrod tube around the rocker arm. If that little pushrod is only about the size of a big round (3/8") pencil all the way end to end and looks steel (probably brown and oily), chances are there are still hydraulic lifters in there. If instead, right behind the tip, behind the rocker arm, the pushrod steps out to a big, ugly aluminum rod (probably closer to 1/2" diameter and probably more silver in color) chances are you have solid lifters in the block. If they are all currently adjusted to somewhere in the .004-.008" range you can guess pretty much for sure.

http://www.type2.com/library/engineg/hydral.htm
_________________
"I spud therefore I yam."

Vwman55 · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:09 am Post subject:

It's no big deal to pull the rocker arm and one tube. All you'll have to do is torque the rocker arm and adjust the valves which sounds like what your trying to do anyway. Pull the lifter out with a magnet.

busdaddy · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 6:33 am Post subject:

If it's been sitting a long time you can likely depress a few of the lifters if it's indeed hydro. Try prying the valve ends of the rockers up away from the head with a small bar or big screwdriver, if some are springy feeling it's hydraulic.
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!

[email protected] · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:10 am Post subject:

I was helping him last night with the mystry motor which we asumed was a solid lifter. The rockers were all backed off as they were putting in new pushrod seals so no real initial setting to guage. Aluminum appearing push rods. As I set number 1 valves I felt that I could push in the lower rocker arm down on the pushrod a good 1/8 to 1/4 inch after it was set. Mushy is what I'd call it. This motor had sat 4 to 6 months so I thought it could maybe be hydro but didin't see any markings. Stopped us in the rain at 10pm. I know he should pull a lifter but my gut is saying hydro as it just felt different that my solids. Any ideas?
_________________
72 ASI Bus "Mill"
66 Singlecab
68 Squareback
62 Ragtop Bug
77 Westfalia

crsgrant · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:17 pm Post subject:

I also was told you can tell by the springs between the rocker arms if they are there it's hydro. The pushrods are pencil size no step Im going with hydro on this mystery machine. Thanks!

busdaddy · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:24 pm Post subject:

Suit yourself, the consequences are dire if you guess wrong.

Take the 10 minutes and remove a rocker and rod and look down the tube for the circlip, this is a GEX engine we're discussing here remember.
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!

crsgrant · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:27 pm Post subject:

I'll look for the clip I'd hate to be wrong!

crsgrant · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:30 pm Post subject:

What's so bad about GEX engine rebuilds? I'm clueless...

chabanais · Samba Member Joined: July 27, 2002 Posts: 4866

Let's just say many here have had "issues" with their longevity.

kevin11 · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:19 pm Post subject:

pushrods. solid for hydro,alum. for solid. if you already have the pushrod tube off, just stick a magnet in and pull out a lifter.

[email protected] · Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 8:10 am Post subject:

Is tall boy running yet?
_________________
72 ASI Bus "Mill"
66 Singlecab
68 Squareback
62 Ragtop Bug
77 Westfalia

crsgrant · Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:56 pm Post subject:

Not running yet this first time start is proving to be a bit difficult reading many pages of many books!


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1