Checking the technical condition of hydraulic tappets (Opel Kadett E)

The hydraulic tappet design is non-disassemblable and cannot be repaired.

Start the engine and leave it running until the electric cooling fan turns on for the first time.

Maintain the engine crankshaft speed at 2500 rpm for 2 minutes.

If you hear noise in the valve mechanism, determine the faulty tappet as follows:

• remove the cylinder head cover;
• turn the engine crankshaft clockwise by the pulley mounting bolt so that the camshaft cam heads corresponding to the valves of the cylinder being checked are facing the hydraulic tappet;
• press the plunger with a wooden or plastic wedge and measure the free travel of the plunger, which should be no more than 0.10 mm before the valve opens. If it is more, the plunger must be replaced.

[Original article on the web portal OpelBook.ru]

Warning: After installing a new tappet, pre-filled with oil and bled, the engine may not be started earlier than 30 minutes later to prevent the valves from hitting the pistons.