My 2.0 86 Mighty Max is running really rough

[Andres483]

Could the hydraulic lash adjusters need adjustment/cleaning I was looking at other threads and that might cause lifted noise too

[FMS88]

Yes. They may need cleaning, but they have to be removed to inspect, test and clean. Since they're hydraulic, that can't be adjusted. Only the jet valves, which are mechanical, are adjustable. Once removed you should be able to compress the lifter slightly by hand. If there's no movement, clean or replace it. Also, look at the surface that contacts the valve stem. If it's pitted or worn unevenly, replace the lifters. You should be able to find a set of aftermarket lifters for $25 or less.

[Andres483]

I think im getting the hydraulic lash adjusters and the jet valves confused there is a little bracket coming of the rocker and it has a nut and a spring on it is that a jet valve

[FMS88]

I think im getting the hydraulic lash adjusters and the jet valves confused there is a little bracket coming of the rocker and it has a nut and a spring on it is that a jet valve

Yes, that's the jet valve with the small spring. Loosen the nut and turn the screw to manually adjust its clearance using a feeler gauge. The hydraulic lifter is recessed within the rocker arm end and it contacts the main intake valve. The lifter-main valve clearance cannot be manually adjusted. The hydraulic lifter automatically adjusts the clearance when functioning properly.
Here's what the lifter looks like:
https://www.amazon.com/Evergreen-LF5.../dp/B007P72X60
They're about 10-12mm in diameter and roughly 22mm long.

[Andres483]

So after looking at the valve train the half of the hydraulic lash adjusters are stuck and the jet valves were off 3 were tight and 1 was loose but I want to know if it would be better to by new lash adjusters or try and clean the old ones

[FMS88]

So after looking at the valve train the half of the hydraulic lash adjusters are stuck and the jet valves were off 3 were tight and 1 was loose but I want to know if it would be better to by new lash adjusters or try and clean the old ones

The answer depends on your budget, how much time you have and the condition of the old lifters. If the lifters have no obvious wear, cleaning is fine but takes time and effort. Buying new eliminates messing with the old ones, but is an expense. Whether you go with new or cleaned lifters, you'll need to remove the rocker arm assemblies. After loosening the cam caps, stretch cut off latex glove finger tips over the rocker ends to keep the lifters from falling out of the rockers and into the engine.

One thing, the lifters that feel stuck may be the good ones. Those you can easily compress aren’t filling with or retaining oil. So they will be the noisy ones.

[SubGothius]

stretch cut-off latex glove finger tips over the rocker ends to keep the lifters from falling out of the rockers and into the engine.

Note those should be nitrile latex gloves, the black/blue kind suitable for auto maintenance, chemicals, etc. Plain latex gloves (e.g. for medical use) will fall apart from exposure to oil.