hydraulic lifters 3.0 mercruser

[Pedro]

Hi looking for information please on setting valves, I have rebuilt the cylinder head and replaced the hydraulic lifters. but I an getting conflicting information on do you set them with the buckets dry or when full of oil?, I believe its a grey area with boat mechanics thanks.

[jrsick]

Interesting question Pedro. I replaced the head on my 2001 3.0 and did the standard "lash plus 3/4 turn." I did soak the lifters in oil and I assumed that setting the preload would push out oil as appropriate (having oil in the lifters would not affect preload adjustments). Of course, running the engine is when you determine if adjustment is correct. If you get valve clatter, and oil pressure is good, then you need to tighten another quarter turn. If engine runs rough, and has low vacuum, then you need to back off a quarter.
Did you have carb and intake manifold off also? If either not installed correctly then you could get low vacuum that may appear to be lifter problem.
Everything went fine with my head swap though. Good luck.

[mmwjr]

Under Documents of this site you will find Mercruiser manuals and the 3.0 one with all the information you need.

[Pedro]

Hi thanks for your reply I fitted new lifters dry, but going to turn engine over to fill buckets with oil, before setting refitted carburettor and manifold using new gaskets, so hopefully no leaks .

[Pedro]

Hi thanks for your reply I have workshop manual, but no information regarding setting valves after fitting new buckets .ie. in the new state or oil filled. I am going for oil filled thanks.

[jrsick]

Let us know how it works out for you Pedro. Hydraulic lifters are self-adjusting, so getting the lash close will give you good results.