Worn, or Stuck, HLAs on EJ22?

[HobbyWrench]

I'm doing a HG replacement on a '90 EJ22 (175K miles) and have pulled the valve rockers to replace the valve seals.

Inspecting the hydraulic valve adjusters in the rocker arms (just on the left head so far), I've noticed a couple (#2 cylinder: rear exhaust, rear intake), which can be pressed down slightly (probabaly about 0.5mm) and then stop (slight click). There are 3-4 other HLAs on the left head that appear to be shorter than the others - and they do not move when tested with the 'finger squeeze test.'

Do the ones with movement just need to bled of air? How does air get into these?

Are the shorter ones worn? Or they possibly stuck part way in?

Would it help to remove these and soak/fill and bleed them in Seafoam, followed by fill and bleed with oil?

This is my first time on this board and I've seen that some of you have excellent expereience in this area.

Thanks!

[Matt Monson]

I've never heard about using seafoam on them. I just bleed them in fresh motor oil. If they won't bleed and pump back up they are shot and will need to be replaced...

[petridish38]

I've never heard about using seafoam on them. I just bleed them in fresh motor oil. If they won't bleed and pump back up they are shot and will need to be replaced...

What he said... if they are shorter than the rest, then they are collapsed and should be replaced. Also, if they dont get firm after bleeding, they should be replaced as well.

Air usually finds its way into the HLA's when the oil leaks out and is replaced with air. Whether it be due to not running the engine in a while, low engine oil pressure, leaky HLA, etc...

Andrew