QuestionHow do I get the tappets out of my '54 Chev (235). They do not lift out as I was expecting. Any suggestions?
AnswerThey make a tool that expands into the groove inside the top of the lifter for removing them, BUT I have NEVER had any luck using it.
My method is as follows and may be a little confusing, but it has worked for me even in the worst case scenarios.
Get a strong magnet. They sell some for under $3 on a handle nowadays. Spray, pour, puddle, whatever a good solvent (carb cleaner, Marvel Mystery oil, Liquid Wrench, etc. ) around the lifter. Then using the magnet, work the lifter in and out of hole just like it was operating normally in the engine. (the cam lobe must be down for the particular lifter you are working on). You will find after just a few cycles of up and down motion that the lifer gets a little higher each time. Don't rush it, just keep working and add more solvent if needed.
This works real well and the magnet 'turns loose' before you jam the lifter too hard.
