COMP Cams Hi-Tech Hydraulic Lifters User Manual

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High Energy™ & Hi-Tech™ Hydraulic Lifters

Applicable Part #s: 802-12, 812-8, 812-12, 812-16, 820-12, 822-12, 822-16, 824-16, 832-12, 832-16,
834-12, 834-16, 842-8, 846-8, 852-16, 855-16, 864-8, 864-16, 869-12, 869-16, 880-16, 882-16, 884­16, 886-16

Thank you for choosing COMP Cams® products; we are proud to be your manufacturer of choice.
Please read this instruction sheet carefully before beginning installation, and also take a moment to
review the included limited warranty information.

The following instructions cover the correct procedures for installing COMP Cams® High Energy™
or Hi-Tech™ Hydraulic Lifters or Hydraulic Roller Lifters. The High Energy Lifters™ can be used
with adjustable and non-adjustable valve train setups. Through various testing we have discovered that

the recommended lifter pre-load should be set .045" or 1 turn of the wrench past zero lash for

optimal performance. Although the method for setting pre-load on a hydraulic flat tappet and hydraulic
roller lifter is the same, the break-in procedure for each lifter is not. Please review this break-in
procedure for flat tappet camshafts.

Important: On hydraulic flat tappet cams that require dual valve springs, the inner spring must
be removed during break-in. Also, we do not recommend the use of synthetic motor oils during
the break-in process. COMP Cams® recommends using Part #1590 (10W30) or #1591 (15W50)

Engine Break-In Oil. Other non-synthetic, heavy-duty motor oil along with COMP Cams® Part #159
Break-In Oil Additive may be used. This allows the lifters to establish rotation and develop a good
wear pattern. As soon as the engine fires, bring the RPM up to 2000 to 2500 during the first 30 minutes
of operation. Slower engine speeds will not supply the camshaft with an adequate amount of oil for the
break-in period. The engine RPM may be varied periodically from 2000 to 2500 to direct oil splash to
different areas of the camshaft. After the 30 minute break-in period, change the oil and filter to be sure
all contaminants from the initial break-in period are removed from the engine. Refill crank case with
COMP Cams Part #1594 (10W30) or #1595 (15W50) Muscle Car & Street Rod Oil or other quality
name brand oil with the addition of COMP Cams® Part #159 Break-In Oil Additive. COMP Cams®
Oil, as well as the Break-In Oil Additive will assist with ring seal during the early break-in period of

your engine. The inner valve springs can now be replaced.

Setting Hydraulic Lifter Pre-load:

The correct amount of lifter pre-load is important to help efficiently control the valve train. Insufficient
pre-load will cause valve train noise, while too much may damage the hydraulics of the lifter or cause
low manifold vacuum. By following the four steps listed below you will help ensure proper engine
performance and reliability.

COMP Cams®

Toll Free: 1.800.999.0853
www.compcams.com

3406 Democrat Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: [phone]

INSTRUCTIONS

Part #COMP4-116

Revised 3/22/12

Instructions:

1. Lifter Preparation: Remove your new COMP Cams® lifters from the packaging, and clean

the lifters thoroughly in mineral spirits or an equivalent solvent. Remember, in order to protect

your camshaft warranty new COMP Cams® lifters must be installed on flat tappet cams. It is

not necessary to “pre-pump” hydraulic lifters full of engine oil prior to installation and valve
adjustment. It is actually undesirable to do so as the “pumped up” lifters will cause the valves
to open during the adjustment process, rather than positioning the lifter plunger in its operating
position as it is supposed to do. “Pre-soaking” hydraulic lifters in a bath of engine oil is a good
idea, but not mandatory. Doing so ensures that the lifters are adequately lubricated on their
outer surfaces prior to installation. It may also result in a quieter engine start up as the oil in the
bath may displace some air from the lifter’s plunger reservoir. Coat the bottoms of all flat
tappet lifters with COMP Cams® Cam and Lifter Installation Lube (Part #103) supplied with
flat tappet cams. When you install the lifters, make sure they fit well. Flat tappet lifters should
rotate freely in the lifter bores. Any excess clearance or tight lifters can cause damage to the

camshaft, leading to engine failure. Note: Contact your engine builder or block

manufacturer for your specific clearances.

2. Setup: With your cam installed, simply place the prepped lifters into the lifter bores. If you are

using hydraulic rollers with a link bar, pay close attention to which direction the link bar faces.
The link bars on retro-fit lifters should face towards the valley of the block. If the link bar has
an arrow on it, make sure the arrow is pointing upwards (↑). If your engine block was originally
equipped with hydraulic rollers make sure the High Energy Lifter™ roller wheel is positioned
to roll along the camshaft lobe. Failure to do so will result in camshaft damage and improper
oiling. Now that the lifters are in place, you can begin to install the pushrods and rocker arms.

3. Pushrod and rocker arms: Clean all pushrods thoroughly because most engines oil through

the center of them. If the original pushrods are being used, be especially sure they come clean
inside and out. Apply a small amount of COMP Cams® Engine Assembly Lube (Part #102) or
an equivalent lube on each end of the pushrods, and install them into the engine. Clean all
rocker arms thoroughly. If the original rocker arms are used, examine each one for excessive
wear, and replace any that are questionable. Apply a small amount of lube on all contact areas
of the rocker arm. With a clean rag or towel, wipe the tips of the valves clean and apply lube to
them where the rocker arms will come in contact with them. Also be sure to check the valve
stem tips for excessive wear. Next, install the rocker arms. Make sure the pushrod is in the lifter
and the rocker arm seat when making valve adjustments.

4. Adjusting pre-load: COMP Cams® High Energy Lifters™ can be used with adjustable and

non-adjustable valve train designs. However, each type of valve train has its own set of
procedures for setting pre-load. This section is divided into two parts: Section I describes
adjusting pre-load with an adjustable valve train, while Section II explains adjusting the valves
using a non-adjustable valve train.

COMP Cams®

Toll Free: 1.800.999.0853
www.compcams.com

3406 Democrat Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: [phone]

Part #COMP4-116

Revised 3/22/12

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