Hylift Johnson Preload???
Hylift Johnson Preload??? 
can anyone tell me what preload to run with these lifters on a stroker LS3 build. I searched and found nothing on this part number. I did run across a youtube video where Brian Tooley mentioned Johnson lifters recommends .050 preload but the model was not mentioned. Not sure if it matters but that cam is a mild 629/604 and 224 /230 for now.
I’m no expert but I’ve never seen those lifters for a ls engine. I know my Johnson lifters require .035 preload normally but he told me to set them up at .050 due to being all aluminum. I would call them directly and ask. They are great people and very helpful
Those 2281 are likely going to give you issues.
The cut oil channel on the side is the main issue.
First off though DO NOT SOAK THEM.
2nd preload is .050--.060 no more. Less is ok but no less than .030.
The cut oil channel on the side is the main issue.
First off though DO NOT SOAK THEM.
2nd preload is .050--.060 no more. Less is ok but no less than .030.
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Also whats the issue with oil channel? Ive got 2281S lifters for my build (ls1).
The better question is "why soak"
Youre not lubing the body or the roller or cup by soaking. All that oil will flow off very shortly and is not intended to break in surfaces like that.
Plus it saves time not doing it.
So seriously, why soak?
The oil channel is cut for more high rpm use is what Johnson/Topline says. We have heard of recent issues with that design. The channel is very small and on an angle cut plus the smaller hole so it has an issue with allowing oil into the lifter.
I have been cataloging many MANY lifter failures reported on every venue i frequent plus customers and from every company and every design they have one thing in common. Soaking. The scientific method then points to that being the issue based off hypothesis, and repeated real world tests by everyone.
Is there a real explanation as to why? Some suggestions and ideas.
It will also definitely throw off your preload measurements AND has hung a few valves open from people ive recently talked to and seen on social media.
Save time and maybe failures and dont soak. Lube the body, roller, and cup with a nice assembly lube and install.
Youre not lubing the body or the roller or cup by soaking. All that oil will flow off very shortly and is not intended to break in surfaces like that.
Plus it saves time not doing it.
So seriously, why soak?
The oil channel is cut for more high rpm use is what Johnson/Topline says. We have heard of recent issues with that design. The channel is very small and on an angle cut plus the smaller hole so it has an issue with allowing oil into the lifter.
I have been cataloging many MANY lifter failures reported on every venue i frequent plus customers and from every company and every design they have one thing in common. Soaking. The scientific method then points to that being the issue based off hypothesis, and repeated real world tests by everyone.
Is there a real explanation as to why? Some suggestions and ideas.
It will also definitely throw off your preload measurements AND has hung a few valves open from people ive recently talked to and seen on social media.
Save time and maybe failures and dont soak. Lube the body, roller, and cup with a nice assembly lube and install.
Trending Topics
The better question is "why soak"
Youre not lubing the body or the roller or cup by soaking. All that oil will flow off very shortly and is not intended to break in surfaces like that.
Plus it saves time not doing it.
So seriously, why soak?
The oil channel is cut for more high rpm use is what Johnson/Topline says. We have heard of recent issues with that design. The channel is very small and on an angle cut plus the smaller hole so it has an issue with allowing oil into the lifter.
I have been cataloging many MANY lifter failures reported on every venue i frequent plus customers and from every company and every design they have one thing in common. Soaking. The scientific method then points to that being the issue based off hypothesis, and repeated real world tests by everyone.
Is there a real explanation as to why? Some suggestions and ideas.
It will also definitely throw off your preload measurements AND has hung a few valves open from people ive recently talked to and seen on social media.
Save time and maybe failures and dont soak. Lube the body, roller, and cup with a nice assembly lube and install.
Youre not lubing the body or the roller or cup by soaking. All that oil will flow off very shortly and is not intended to break in surfaces like that.
Plus it saves time not doing it.
So seriously, why soak?
The oil channel is cut for more high rpm use is what Johnson/Topline says. We have heard of recent issues with that design. The channel is very small and on an angle cut plus the smaller hole so it has an issue with allowing oil into the lifter.
I have been cataloging many MANY lifter failures reported on every venue i frequent plus customers and from every company and every design they have one thing in common. Soaking. The scientific method then points to that being the issue based off hypothesis, and repeated real world tests by everyone.
Is there a real explanation as to why? Some suggestions and ideas.
It will also definitely throw off your preload measurements AND has hung a few valves open from people ive recently talked to and seen on social media.
Save time and maybe failures and dont soak. Lube the body, roller, and cup with a nice assembly lube and install.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?
Pouria Savadkouei
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Problem is different manufacturers do things differently. Some build with high end assembly lube and soaking hurts more than it helps. Some use cosmolene as a rust inhibitor, and you need atf to get rid of it.
So I would say avoid generalities and follow the manufacturers advice
So I would say avoid generalities and follow the manufacturers advice
I have very rarely used jesel lifters due to them being so ridiculously high and some people recently on a few pages have had issues with isky lifters. Not their bushed ones but the std needle bearing ones. It could be from them not having any internal lube to begin with, but also, has anyone lubed them and just tossed them in. Very possibly. And have they had issues? No one knows. Not everyone goes to the internet to discuss a failure and even less go to report good findings.
But how many on ls1 tech use them vs any of the other more affordable options? Id bet the statistics are heavily to the cheaper option.
Ive installed hundreds of sets literally. Ive soaked 1 set. That was a std flat hyd lifter in an sbc they had us build in automotive college.
But does the oil stay on the lifter after install? Or even in the bearing?
I have very rarely used jesel lifters due to them being so ridiculously high and some people recently on a few pages have had issues with isky lifters. Not their bushed ones but the std needle bearing ones. It could be from them not having any internal lube to begin with, but also, has anyone lubed them and just tossed them in. Very possibly. And have they had issues? No one knows. Not everyone goes to the internet to discuss a failure and even less go to report good findings.
But how many on ls1 tech use them vs any of the other more affordable options? Id bet the statistics are heavily to the cheaper option.
Ive installed hundreds of sets literally. Ive soaked 1 set. That was a std flat hyd lifter in an sbc they had us build in automotive college.
I have very rarely used jesel lifters due to them being so ridiculously high and some people recently on a few pages have had issues with isky lifters. Not their bushed ones but the std needle bearing ones. It could be from them not having any internal lube to begin with, but also, has anyone lubed them and just tossed them in. Very possibly. And have they had issues? No one knows. Not everyone goes to the internet to discuss a failure and even less go to report good findings.
But how many on ls1 tech use them vs any of the other more affordable options? Id bet the statistics are heavily to the cheaper option.
Ive installed hundreds of sets literally. Ive soaked 1 set. That was a std flat hyd lifter in an sbc they had us build in automotive college.
You saying don’t soak lifters as a general statement, while some lifter manufactures require it, is bad advice. No matter what you personally do or how you feel about it. Especially as a vendor. Lots of folks see a vendor say something and it’s gospel to them. Just being honest.
I see nothing wrong with the process across the board unless a lifter manufacturer specifically says not to do it in their instructions. Best advice on the subject here is to follow the lifter manufactures advice.
Is this the best, foolproof method? Prolly not, but it’s how I do mine IF it’s a lifter set that I can clean before install. Some lifter sets ask that you don’t clean or soak. Coat them in oil on outside and place them in the lifter bores. ALWAYS follow the lifter manufactures instructions.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,307
Likes: 3,623
From: Central Cal.
I would imagine that any oil used for soaking lifters should have excellent penetrative ability to get EVERYWHERE in that lifter.
I have heard that some acetone mixed with oil makes a great penetrating oil.
Is this anywhere close to what you are using?
I have heard that some acetone mixed with oil makes a great penetrating oil.
Is this anywhere close to what you are using?
Negative Ghost Rider. Everything I use is oil based.
Originally Posted by G Atsma
I would imagine that any oil used for soaking lifters should have excellent penetrative ability to get EVERYWHERE in that lifter.
I have heard that some acetone mixed with oil makes a great penetrating oil.
Is this anywhere close to what you are using?
I have heard that some acetone mixed with oil makes a great penetrating oil.
Is this anywhere close to what you are using?