Tappet replacement

[Bloggsy]

I may have to replace a damaged tappet (the bucket between the shim and the valve) and I am just wondering is this possible to do without removing the power unit. I realize that the the cam shafts will have to be removed / lifted to get the tappet out. Is there an easy way and has anyone done this before.

Thanks
Bloggsy

[Bloggsy]

Which engine

Sorry forgot to mention that it is a DF175

Bloggsy

[Bloggsy]

Tappet access

Having a look I am wondering if I can remove the lower engine cover to access the timing chain without removing the power head. Any ideas?

[Bloggsy]

Just about to dive in and start pulling things apart. I was hoping that someone would have replied by now. Will see how I go.

[Lunchmoney]

Pretty sure you'll have to remove the power unit. The cams are tied into the timing chain which is held tight by the tensioner, which can't be accessed without pulling the power unit. At least that's they way my 140s are. How did you damage a bucket?

[Bloggsy]

Tappet bucket has a chip out of the top edge noticed it when I was checking valve clearance. Can only guess that it got broken when someone was adjusting the clearance as I am the third owner. Not sure if it will deteriorate any further or not. perhaps I am worrying too much?

[Lunchmoney]

If there's minimal chance of the shim sliding out, I'd just leave it. Maybe post a pic?

[Bloggsy]

Yes I will take a photo and put it up might be in a couple of weeks just had a mate ring up and he wants to go fishing so I will put it off till then.

[Bloggsy]

Here is a photo of the chip out of the bucket. The angled down bit is normal and where you get to the shim to remove it. The problem I have is the 45 degree bit to the left of this.
Perhaps I am worrying too much as it hasn't got any worse in the last 50 Hrs.
What do people think?
Might just leave it rather that have to pull engine apart.

[catacom225]

Bloggsy, have you checked your tappet clearance? one possible scenario on how that bucket was chipped would be If the shim moved out of position then having the cam come around and cause it to chip! but i doubt it?. Don't think its going to affect engine performance so i would leave it alone., on the other hand if its up high you might just get enough clearance to pry it out, nothing ventured nothing gained?

[Bloggsy]

Yes have checked valve clearance and all are within spec and of course it is the very last bucket on the (lowest) cylinder

[redlowrey]

Here is a photo of the chip out of the bucket. The angled down bit is normal and where you get to the shim to remove it. The problem I have is the 45 degree bit to the left of this.
Perhaps I am worrying too much as it hasn't got any worse in the last 50 Hrs.
What do people think?
Might just leave it rather that have to pull engine apart.

''''What made you aware of the problem, because that can't happen unless the valve stuck open or the valve was bouncing from a week or broken spring making the shim bounce off the bucket seat.

[Bloggsy]

Only reason that I noticed it was because I decided to check the valve clearance and saw the missing piece. Can only assume that it was broken by some one attempting to adjust the valves.

[Harper]

''''What made you aware of the problem, because that can't happen unless the valve stuck open or the valve was bouncing from a week or broken spring making the shim bounce off the bucket seat.

Actually, I wouldn't be at all surprised if some hamhanded meathead had some trouble getting the shim out of that bottom bucket and thought he needed a bigger hammer. Being a bit facetious, of course, but I've had to replace those lower shims on my DF150, and they are difficult. Honestly, some people just have to use a bigger hammer. It's the only way they know of overcoming difficult tasks. I see it all the time.

That said, I agree with catacom225. The chip doesn't enlarge the slot enough to make much of a difference. If your clearance is good on that valve, and the bucket rotates freely in it's bore with the valve closed and the cam lobe positioned where you would check the valve lash, then just leave it alone.

[Bloggsy]

Thanks Mike yes I reckon that you are right. And now that I have checked it again after 50 hrs I agree that I will leave it. When I first saw it I was a bit panicky as I like to have things just right.
But it is obviously not going to have a detrimental effect so I will just put it out of my mind.

Thanks for the reassurance.

Cheers