1999 Chevy Cavalier Bad lifter: can I disable that cylinder

1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
115,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GE1234
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I have what appears to be a collapsed lifter - there's nearly 1/8" of play in the rocker arm. The car runs OK, but it's pretty noisy. Given the general condition & age of the car, we're going to get another one, rather than pull the head and replace the lifter.

In the meantime, we still need a car to get around.

2 questions:

1. Is there any great downside to just driving it as it is?

2. Would it be better (or even OK) to just disable that cylinder - remove both rocker arms & push rods, and disconnect the injector?

Thanks
Mar 31, 2010 at 6:30 PM
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CRZYDRVR
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The car was meant to run on all cylinders, I would not "dis able" that by any means. But if you insist, give it a try and let us know how it works out for you.
Apr 2, 2010 at 8:42 PM
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GE1234
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[quote:cbbb9ccfa9="crzydrvr"]... But if you insist, give it a try and let us know how it works out for you.[/quote:cbbb9ccfa9]

Other ppl had a more ... disparaging, let's say ... take on that scheme. Among other things, that the lifter would likely get dislocated, without the pushrod holding it down. Oh well.

Plan B of the moment is to try using a 'lash cap' between the valve stem and the rocker arm - sort of, treat it like a solid lifter.

G
Apr 2, 2010 at 10:34 PM
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