Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines AMC 258 lifter removal

I either have one bad lifter or a wiped cam lobe. Either way I have to get the lifters out. I have pulled the head but cannot figure out how to pull them out of the block. The FSM shows a special tool J21884 which I guess I can try to find but I hate to wait... Is there a good shade tree way? Engine is still in Jeep, bottom end intact.

Dear Pmeisel;

As a 'general rule'; The only thing that holds lifters in is a varnish, from old age.

To remove this use a little laquer thinner.

Now they will come right out. Also; NAPA has a tool that helps if they are recessed in the block, as it grabs them from inside etc.

Good luck, John M....

I had a similar problem with my hemi6. I went to remove the lifters and they binded in the bores as I tried to lift them out.I managed to get them out after puchasing the proper tool and even then it still required a fair bit of force to remove them. It turned out that the lifters were severly worn, they were dished and had spread where they contacted the cam.
Anyway a lifter removal tool is pretty inexpensive and you should be able to pick one up at your local parts store.

Cheers Jeremy

To NAPA tomorrow!