SC Case Valve Lifters

[tomfg]

Can the valve lifters on an SC Case be removed from the top of the engine (with the head off)?
I'm trying to clean all the gunk out of the chamber above the lifters, but it's narrow and deep. I thought if I could remove the lifters I could flush / blow the chamber out better, but didn't want to pull a lifter out of its bore, and not be able to get it back it. I don't plan on removing the engine or pulling the camshaft at this time. My service manual dosen't tell me what I need to know. Thanks, Tom
 

[Christopher Mikesell]

It depends on the year of the tractor, most SC's have culindrical lifters which can be pulled staright out. However, late SC tractors have mushroom lifters and require you to remove the camshaft to get them out.
 

[tomfg]

I have an early SC and I didn't notice any mushroom style lifters, but the slots at the top of the block look too narrow to pull the lifters out. Will look at it closer tomorrow.
Thanks!
 

[Christopher Mikesell]

I just checked my IT manual, and it says that the cylindrical S-series lifters can be removed by pressing a tapered dowel into them from above and pulling them out. The cylindrical lifters were used before serial number 4806466 (part way through 1944). Also, later style mushroom lifters were supplied as replacements, so earlier tractors may have the later-style lifters
 

[tomfg]

Thanks for the tip! I think my oil galley brush would work for a lifter puller as well, if the bristles wedge inside the lifter.