Hydraulic lifters (tappets)
CIC hydraulic lifters are essential to the correct operation of the engine valves: they absorb impacts and torsional pressure while keeping a robust, direct transmission from the camshaft, cushioning its impact, extending valve life and maintaining engine performance thanks to their fast hydraulic response.
CIC hydraulic lifters are made of high-strength, low-thermal-expansion steels, which prevent wear at the engine’s support points.
The hydraulic capacity of CIC lifters comes from high-quality seals and oil inlet and outlet passages that allow ideal engine-oil flow both under pressure and when cam pressure is released, at low and high temperature. This guarantees smooth, quiet operation.
Requirements for correct installation and operation of CIC hydraulic lifters:
- Before removing the lifters installed in the engine, diagnose the lubrication system by measuring the oil flow at the pump outlet as well as the oil pressure.
- Before installing CIC hydraulic lifters, clean all oil feed passages completely.
- Pre-charge the lifters for at least 30 minutes in oil at a temperature no lower than 60 °C.
- During installation follow the service manual instructions, especially those regarding hydraulic preload in the engine.
- Whenever CIC lifters are replaced, replace the engine oil and the main filter.
- Never install CIC lifters dry: wear from the very first crankshaft revolution would be very high and would cause permanent damage not only to the lifter but to the engine valves.