The valve tappet oil supply for the 87 SPG is via "external" oil supply tubes (called the "spray bar") that route oil (at engine pressure) to the bosses that secure the cams. They present themselves when you remove the valve cover. The oil from the spray bar pressurizes the tappets. This design was discontinued in 1988.

The spray bar consists of 3 pipes that press-fit into plastic fittings, with a main supply fitting in the center pipe routed to the internal engine oil supply. Each fitting has an o-ring where it fits into the boss. I had the same issue, and bought a kit (about $40) of replacement fittings. When I took off the valve cover I found that some previous mechanic (speaking loosely) had re-installed the pipe fittings into the cam bosses without taking the trouble to ensure each fitting was exactly aligned (position on the spray bar is adjustable, they press fit into the tubes) with the boss inlet. He/she probably tore one o-ring during installation, and pressure was absent at the tappets at No. 4 cyl.

You will need a spray-bar kit, valve cover gaskes (2), Loctite No. 518 (don't use RTV - it can clog the oil sytem), the Bentley manual, socket wrentch, torx bit, and about 3 hours of your time. If you remove the spray bar (hand press-fit and removal) and don't find any torn or flattened o-rings at the fittings, then you may have a dead tappet. Not much more trouble to replace but I wouldn't plan that at this juncture. Listen to the engine before the job to see if you can locate the cylinder. Finding a torn fitting o-ring at that cylinder will make you feel a little more confident as you're putting it back together. Just make sure to align them, including the alignment of the fitting hole with the spray bar hole.

As I said, I found a broken o-ring at No. 4, replaced the fittings taking care to align them during installation, and now all is happy.

• Noisy lifter on 87 SPG: Suggestions?, Jim Watts, Thu, 15 Mar 2001 17:16:42
  • Before all else -change the oil to synt. 5W30 and listen., Tino, Fri, 16 Mar 2001 09:37:00
  • Possibly a simple fix...., Cary 87 SPG, Thu, 15 Mar 2001 21:33:32 <-- Viewing This Message
    • THANKS, one and all. (n/m), Jim Watts, Fri, 16 Mar 2001 07:29:50
  • plastic connectors, dave n, Thu, 15 Mar 2001 20:46:44
  • Re: Noisy lifter on 87 SPG: Suggestions?, Gavin, Thu, 15 Mar 2001 17:45:55
  • Re: Noisy lifter on 87 SPG: Suggestions?, george chiassion, Thu, 15 Mar 2001 17:29:26

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