Changing hydraulic lifter on a 1986, 454, 340hp, 7.4L mercruiser.

[scamper]

I have that ticking noise that usually signifies a stuck lifter. I have tried additives the free the lifter but no luck. I thought I would take the valve cover off and see which cylinder it was. I find I cannot get to the lower bolts holding the rocker cover on because the exhaust manifold is too close to the cover to get a socket on. Do I have to take the exhaust manifold off to take the valve cover off? This engine is one of two in a 34' sea ray sundancer with v drives which means not a whole lot of room. <br />Your help would be appreciated. <br />Thanks, scamper.<br />

 

[elpaso]

Re: Changing hydraulic lifter on a 1986, 454, 340hp, 7.4L mercruiser.

Use a 1/4 inch ratchet - 3/8 socket- long<br />flexable extension- or knuckle - long flat<br />blade screwdriver, as a guide tool.<br />With patience, you can remove the bolts, and<br />wiggle the valve cover off. And pick up bolts <br />and spacers with a magnet.<br /><br />To install- wedge bolts in socket with a piece<br />of paper towel or a touch of monkey snot.<br /><br />There were several different heads used on 454s over the years, if lucky- with a lifter tool-<br />and a long skinny magnet you can change lifter<br />with out removing head. <br /><br />10 minutes of thinking - can save hours of work .

 

[scamper]

Re: Changing hydraulic lifter on a 1986, 454, 340hp, 7.4L mercruiser.

Thanks for the tip elpaso. I tried getting a socket between the valve cover and the exhaust manifold the other day but couldn’t get it through. Maybe need to find a thinner walled socket but your right, with that flexible extension that would work. You did present a new wrinkle. I didn’t realize that I might have to remove the head. I was hoping it would just be the intake. Thanks again.<br />scamper