I need to replace my intake manifold pan gasket that has crumbled to bits and will do the valve cover gaskets at the same time

Question - would you replace the head gaskets and install new lifters at the same time ? parts aren't much and I guess I am part way there - I don't have a head gasket leak but at 90K I guess that could change any time

Thanks for your opinion

 

The lifters are easy to change while there and might be worn enough need replacing. The manual has specs for tolerable lifter wear.

Check compression before tackling the head gaskets. Heads are another level of difficulty, so I would not change the gaskets unless your compression test shows a problem. If you have interest, time and budget, though, if the lifters are worn, the cam is probably also worn. Rod and crank bearings could be changed too at that point. Valves replaced or cleaned up and lapped. New seals installed everywhere. It really depends on how much you want to do. Piston rings could be replaced. You could spend a lot of time and money for not a whole lot of benefit, or make a mistake that moves you backwards. And the wife might get jealous of you spending all that time with your truck.

My vote is to leave the heads alone if compression is good and coolant has been well maintained.

 

If you're planning to just drop new lifters in on top of an old cam - you're asking for a bad time.
Replace the cam/lifters together.


Personally, unless you really want to get further into the job - I wouldn't bother with the head gaskets. Just doing the pan is such a quick task, you're adding in more labor to go through and replace head gaskets.

 

Thanks guys - I agree and will leave the head gasket as is

I do have one noisy lifter - any feelings on replacing just the one ?

 

You're going to kill the cam lobe if you do.

Pull the noisy lifter.
Clean it, rebuild it if needed, but retain the original bucket that contacts the cam lobe.

 

Will do - will attempt to clean and reuse

Thanks

 

You can install new lifters onto a used cam, but DO NOT install worn lifters onto a new cam!

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OK - back to ordering new lifters I will put on my old cam - how long should I soak the new lifters in oil before installing ?

 

The idea is to get the air out. I took a push rod and pressed several times until no more bubbles, with the lifter submerged in oil. Just don't press sideways. It is slippery and tippy. The engine still rattled for a minute or so on first start, but quiets out after oil pressure builds up.

 

thank you for that