Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: antiqueshell
I think the solid lifters/valves is a good example of how Honda sticks with something that is tried and true even if it might appear that using the hydraulic valves is better.
When a hydraulic valve fails you MUST replace it. Period. When a solid valve falls out of spec it can fairly easily be adjusted back into spec and in the long run be cheaper and more efficient for the owner. I like that kind of thinking.
That's malarkey.
1. The hydraulic lifter has been around since the 1930's. It isn't any "newer" than people using overhead camshafts.
2. There are more than enough engines running around with stuck/noisy HLA's that if you HAD to replace them when they went south, these engines would have failed. But they have not. Usual cause for a plugged/collapsed HLA is varnish anyway...
3. When a solid tappet valvetrain goes out of spec on the exhaust valve, it can be of the "too tight" variety and if not fixed, can cause valve and seat failure. This is not an issue on an HLA equipped engine.
4. Cheaper to the owner? The valves on a Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, F-150, F-250, F-350, Expedition, Explorer, Mustang....etc NEVER need to be adjusted. How many examples of these engines are there out there with OBSCENE mileage that even a Honda owner would be jealous of? How many times do you think the HLA's have been replaced in those engines? Want to gamble at probably NEVER? How many times do you think the valve covers have been off? Exactly. ONE valve adjustment done by an independent or dealer on a Honda will cost more than what your average Modular owner will ever spend on valvetrain maintenance over the life of their vehicle, which will likely be absolutely nothing.
Now on your points about DI, I think you are spot-on
I just bought a new Mazda CX-5 w 2.5 Skyactiv. I test drove a Honda CRV, and liked it. That being said, the seats did not support my legs, had a five speed, and had a solid lifter cam. I don't like solid lifters in my cars, or in my motorcycles. I don't like wrenching anymore, I just like driving. I vote for hydraulics!