I have an 88 f150 with the 4.9 and within the last week it has developed a rather loud valve train tick. And upon startup, chokes and dies. I suspected a loose rocker, but when I pulled the valve cover, all appears to be tight. The only thing I noticed was an appearence of burned oil caked on #6 intake and exhaust rocker.

My question is can I replace just that cylinders lifters or do I need to change them all?

Would I also need to change the push rods with new lifters?

What is the best way to adjust the valve lash after installing the new lifters?


ETA: I ran the motor to see if the rockers were getting oil and they are. There was also no audible tick with the upper intake and valve cover removed.

Any Ideas?

 

I am getting ready to do my lifters in my 86 4.9 I bought 12 lifters, 12 pushrods, the cover gasket and valve cover gasket all for around $50.00

I am going to change all of them while I am in there. I was told the new lifters riding on the old cam could be a potential problem as far as wear but I am going to do it anyway.

I'm not sure about your year, but the 86 rockers are bolt down, and the hydraulic lifters do the adjusting.

That's My two cents. Good Luck

 

Replace new in Pairs. Just do as holowinko suggested. I would also do the entire valve train. Verify oil pressure without the dash/idiot light. It's worthless IMHO. Put a real mechanical gauge on it and find what your pressures are.