Patent ID: 6598572
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
A hydraulic lash adjuster for an internal combustion engine, the lash adjuster comprising a body, a plunger assembly slidably received within a bore in the body and co-operating with the body to define a fluid pressure chamber, and biasing means for urging the plunger assembly in an outward direction with respect to the bore, thus enlarging the pressure chamber, to take up slack in a valve drive train, the adjuster further comprising sealing means which is sealingly engaged with the body and which is brought into sealing engagement with the plunger assembly in response to movement of the plunger assembly in an inward direction with respect to the bore for restricting fluid flow from the pressure chamber so as to inhibit further movement of the plunger assembly in said inward direction, the adjuster being arranged such that the plunger assembly is disengaged from said sealing means and the pressure in said pressure chamber is relieved upon movement of the plunger assembly in said outward direction, so that a limited amount of inward movement can take place each time pressure is applied to the plunger assembly before the chamber is again closed.