The Ford Barn

flathead4rd · 09-20-2025, 10:51 AM

I have one (1) lifter that won't hold it's setting. Can this be fixed without having t0 remove the head? If so, all suggestions will be welcome.

tubman · 09-20-2025, 12:05 PM

Mr. GOOGLE says : "Green Loctite is primarily used as a high-strength, low-viscosity anaerobic adhesive for locking preassembled threaded fasteners." You can get at it by removing the intake manifold.

Sounds like it might work.

Drbrown · 09-20-2025, 12:59 PM

I assume this is about Johnson Style adjustable lifters. Never done it but if the threads on the lifter's adjustable bolt are covered with oil, its may be difficult to clean-off enought oil so the locktite wsill adhere ? Old posts here about this problem = one responce was to get the lifter properly adjusted then use a pointed tool punch to moderately "upset" the exposed treads on the lifter bolt enough that it prevented to lifter adjuster bolt from easily turning and getting out of adjustment. This at least would avoid removing the head to replace the lifter.

tubman · 09-20-2025, 01:08 PM

As always, try the "non-destructive" method first. And notice; the Loctite is specifically designed for assembled threads.

40cpe · 09-20-2025, 02:31 PM

Belt and suspenders: Extend the adjuster to expose the threads that were in the lifter threaded area. Clean the oil from the threads with brake cleaner, Place a rag behind the threads to absorb as much as possible. Use a suitable tool to "ding" the threads that will be in the lifter when adjusted. Apply loctite and readjust the clearance.

Angledrive · 09-20-2025, 06:53 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 40cpe

Belt and suspenders: Extend the adjuster to expose the threads that were in the lifter threaded area. Clean the oil from the threads with brake cleaner, Place a rag behind the threads to absorb as much as possible. Use a suitable tool to "ding" the threads that will be in the lifter when adjusted. Apply loctite and readjust the clearance.

I agree, that is how I have done it.

GB SISSON · 09-21-2025, 07:56 AM

I also agree with the double whammy. Last time you'll have to deal with that lifter. Glued, screwed and tatooed.

flathead4rd · 09-21-2025, 10:01 AM

Thanks to all who replied. I just got this engine back in the car with everything hooked up and upon starting it up had a lot of lifter noise. Only sounds like one. I will try one or more of the suggested remedys. Only removing the intake will save a ton of time which at age 86 is important. Will keep you posted on the results. Thanks again guys.

40cpe · 09-21-2025, 05:48 PM

If it was making noise on first start maybe it/they weren't adjusted correctly at installation. Maybe try an adjustment first?

09-20-2025, 10:51 AM	#1
flathead4rd Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 583	Lifter Problem I have one (1) lifter that won't hold it's setting. Can this be fixed without having t0 remove the head? If so, all suggestions will be welcome.

09-20-2025, 12:05 PM	#2
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,135	Re: Lifter Problem Mr. GOOGLE says : "Green Loctite is primarily used as a high-strength, low-viscosity anaerobic adhesive for locking preassembled threaded fasteners." You can get at it by removing the intake manifold. Sounds like it might work.

09-20-2025, 12:59 PM	#3
Drbrown Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Glens Falls NY Posts: 1,403	Re: Lifter Problem I assume this is about Johnson Style adjustable lifters. Never done it but if the threads on the lifter's adjustable bolt are covered with oil, its may be difficult to clean-off enought oil so the locktite wsill adhere ? Old posts here about this problem = one responce was to get the lifter properly adjusted then use a pointed tool punch to moderately "upset" the exposed treads on the lifter bolt enough that it prevented to lifter adjuster bolt from easily turning and getting out of adjustment. This at least would avoid removing the head to replace the lifter.

09-20-2025, 01:08 PM	#4
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,135	Re: Lifter Problem As always, try the "non-destructive" method first. And notice; the Loctite is specifically designed for assembled threads.

09-20-2025, 02:31 PM	#5
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,161	Re: Lifter Problem Belt and suspenders: Extend the adjuster to expose the threads that were in the lifter threaded area. Clean the oil from the threads with brake cleaner, Place a rag behind the threads to absorb as much as possible. Use a suitable tool to "ding" the threads that will be in the lifter when adjusted. Apply loctite and readjust the clearance.

09-21-2025, 07:56 AM	#7
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 6,202	Re: Lifter Problem I also agree with the double whammy. Last time you'll have to deal with that lifter. Glued, screwed and tatooed. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1946 Tonner Pickup with 226 H six, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, now wearing 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

09-21-2025, 10:01 AM	#8
flathead4rd Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 583	Re: Lifter Problem Thanks to all who replied. I just got this engine back in the car with everything hooked up and upon starting it up had a lot of lifter noise. Only sounds like one. I will try one or more of the suggested remedys. Only removing the intake will save a ton of time which at age 86 is important. Will keep you posted on the results. Thanks again guys.

09-21-2025, 05:48 PM	#9
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,161	Re: Lifter Problem If it was making noise on first start maybe it/they weren't adjusted correctly at installation. Maybe try an adjustment first?