How to get a stuck lifter out of a 2.3 liter engine head!

**74stang2togo** · 11-06-2002

Okay, here's how to get the lifter (or valve lash adjuster) out (My dad got this idea from a local machine shop, it works!).

1. Use a tap to thread the oil hole below the lifter about 1/8 inch down (I don't remember what diameter tap we used, it was just slightly bigger than the hole)

2. Place a grease fitting in the now-threaded hole. attach a grease gun (make sure it is full of grease)

3. Tap lightly on the lifter if it is at all movable with a hammer.

4. Then pump the grease in, it will force the lifter up and will not damage anything. The grease also brings the small amount of metal shavings that resulted from the tapping of the oil hole out with it.

5. wipe away the grease from the top of the head. You are now ready to replace the lifter.

**74stang2togo** · 12-02-2006

I've torn down a few more 2.3s since then, finding a stuck lifter or two seems to be a common thread when tearing them down, so now I've stuck the thread so anyone else who has this problem can find it quickly and easily. A special thanks goes out to Stanley at Big 3 Auto Supply and Machine Shop in Temple, Texas, for the valuable advice on this problem and many other projects of mine over the years, not to mention the great machining work.

77ministock · 06-16-2007

I have tried this method before and it does work well. Have only had one head that I could not get them out. It had set without a valve cover for years and they would not budge.