Hydraulic vs solid lifters?

[ian_uk1975]

I've finally managed to get the intake off my SBC. Now that it's off, I've taken one of the lifters out. How do I tell if I've got hydraulic or solid lifters? I've tried pushing the centre of the lifter down (where the pushrod fits) and there doesn't seem to be any 'give', but this could be because the oil has drained out of the lifter(?) Is there a visual difference that is easy to spot that would identify the lifters as hydraulic or solid? I'm pretty sure they must be hydraulic, but I want to be certain (in order to know how to set my valve lash for a start-off).

Cheers,
Ian.

[Big Thirsty]

Originally Posted by ian_uk1975

I've finally managed to get the intake off my SBC. Now that it's off, I've taken one of the lifters out. How do I tell if I've got hydraulic or solid lifters? I've tried pushing the centre of the lifter down (where the pushrod fits) and there doesn't seem to be any 'give', but this could be because the oil has drained out of the lifter(?) Is there a visual difference that is easy to spot that would identify the lifters as hydraulic or solid? I'm pretty sure they must be hydraulic, but I want to be certain (in order to know how to set my valve lash for a start-off).

Cheers,
Ian.

Ian,

Hydraulic lifters were fitted, hope this helps.

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by Big Thirsty

Ian,

Hydraulic lifters were fitted, hope this helps.

Thanks Ian.

Just for my own information, is there a way to differentiate from a visual check of the lifters?

Cheers,
Ian.

[Big Thirsty]

Ian,

I'm not very good at uploading photos, so follow this link which will show the difference and also give you some background information.

COMP Cams -Frequently Asked Questions About Lifters

[JamesP]

Hydraulic lifters will have some sort of clip (eg a circlip or wire clip) to stop the center from coming out of the lifter body - Solid lifters don't need this.

James