Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a lifter bore, and a valve lifter assembly positioned at least partially within the lifter bore and configured to actuate a push rod. The assembly includes a valve lifter and an angular displacement-limiting clip. A cutout is formed on a proximal end of the valve lifter and includes a channel and a taper. The valve lifter is rotatable out of alignment with a cam, and the clip limits angular displacement of the valve lifter via contacting a wall portion of the cylinder block. First and second fillets of the clip are positionable within the cutout, such that the taper provides a clearance for inhibiting impingement of the valve lifter upon the fillets.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine housing defining a cylinder, and a first and a second gas exchange valve for the cylinder, positioned within the engine housing. The engine further includes a valve actuating mechanism having a first and a second valve lifter reciprocating within adjacent lifter bores to actuate the first and second gas exchange valves. Each of the first and second valve lifters includes an end cap having a misalignment limiting projection, limiting rotation of the valve lifter in response to dynamic perturbation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a housing defining a lifter bore, and a slot in communication with the lifter bore. A valve lifter assembly is positioned within the lifter bore such that a key pin of the valve lifter assembly extends into the slot. The key pin has a contoured outer surface contacting the engine housing within the slot at a first and a second rotational orientation of the valve lifter, to limit misalignment thereof.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine housing defining a cylinder, and a first and a second gas exchange valve for the cylinder, positioned within the engine housing. The engine further includes a valve actuating mechanism having a first and a second valve lifter reciprocating within adjacent lifter bores to actuate the first and second gas exchange valves. Each of the first and second valve lifters includes an end cap having a misalignment limiting projection, limiting rotation of the valve lifter in response to dynamic perturbation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a housing defining a lifter bore, and a slot in communication with the lifter bore. A valve lifter assembly is positioned within the lifter bore such that a key pin of the valve lifter assembly extends into the slot. The key pin has a contoured outer surface contacting the engine housing within the slot at a first and a second rotational orientation of the valve lifter, to limit misalignment thereof.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a lifter bore, and a valve lifter assembly positioned at least partially within the lifter bore and configured to actuate a push rod. The assembly includes a valve lifter and an angular displacement-limiting clip. A cutout is formed on a proximal end of the valve lifter and includes a channel and a taper. The valve lifter is rotatable out of alignment with a cam, and the clip limits angular displacement of the valve lifter via contacting a wall portion of the cylinder block. First and second fillets of the clip are positionable within the cutout, such that the taper provides a clearance for inhibiting impingement of the valve lifter upon the fillets.

Abstract: A clip includes a one-piece metal body having a holder and an attached hanger. The clip is configured to couple with a valve lifter to form a lifter assembly for varying the position of a valve in an internal combustion engine. The holder may be C-shaped, and the hanger may be U-shaped. The one-piece metal body further includes an anti-scuffing outer profile, and a first and a second fillet transitioning from the holder to the hanger, for diffusing stresses induced in the clip at an angular displacement-limiting stop position defined by contact between the hanger and a wall portion of a cylinder block. Related methodology is disclosed.