2001 YZ426 Intake Valve Lifter is tight

[EXC Yankee]

Hey... I was re-assembling my top end, after changing valve springs, and noticed that one of the intake valve lifters had alot of friction going on. I actually needed to grab it with some pliers to pull it back off! That is not something that caught my attention during dis-assembly.

I actually tried some of the other lifters to see if it made a difference, it did not. Nothing seemed to be touching. I thought maybe the valve spring was slightly wider or perhaps the blue identifying "paint" was sprayed on a little thicker.

I tried working it on and off, with a little motor oil for lube. Seems to be better.

Any insight on this? Could this be a problem?

Thanks for your input. This is my first engine breakdown.

Edited October 20, 2015 by YZ Yankee

[grayracer513]

You returned each of the lifters to their original bores, didn't you?

 

If not, take the tight one and find which of the 5 holes it fits best into.

[EXC Yankee]

You returned each of the lifters to their original bores, didn't you?

If not, take the tight one and find which of the 5 holes it fits best into.

I believe it is in the original spot. To see if it made a difference, I did put on of the others in the same hole and it was tight there also. That's why I thought, perhaps it was a tight fit around the valve spring. Maybe the finish on the valve spring was the issue. There is visible clearence around the lifter.

[grayracer513]

Look for a ridge at the top edge of the lifter bore where the cam bore cuts across it.  If not that, I'd recommend you get an eyes-on inspection from a machinist to see what's up.