Cam Followers/Tappets - Overview C Series Page F-2 Section F - Familiarization The cylinder head gasket is a specialized metal design with a fire ring to seal the cylinder bores. The gasket also provides orifices to control coolant flow. Cam Followers/Tappets - Overview (004-999) General Information The valve tappets are mushroom-shaped. The offset position of the tappet against camshaft lobe causes the tappet to rotate as it lifts the push rod. Valve Tappet The ball end of the push rod fits into the ball socket in the tappet. The other end of the push rod has a ball socket in which the ball end of the rocker lever adjusting screw operates.
A loose rocker lever and the need to reset the valve clearance frequently can indicate camshaft lobe or tappet wear. If an inspection of the levers, valve stems, and push rods does not show wear, then tappet and/or camshaft lobe wear can be suspected.