Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (11) for an internal combustion engine, and an improved method of assembly of such a lash adjuster. The lash adjuster (11) is of the type having a body (13), a plunger (15), and a check valve assembly (17). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the check valve assembly comprises a cartridge (17A;17B) comprising a member (27;41) separate from the plunger (15) and defining a valve seat (27S;41S). The check valve cartridge is capable of being assembled and tested for compliance with a predetermined relationship of flow versus pressure differential, prior to assembly into the plunger (15). In accordance with the improved method of assembly, a plurality of different bodies (13A;13B) and plungers (15A;15B;15C;15D) is provided, as well as a plurality of different, interchangeable check valve cartridges (17A;17B), and the assembly operator selects a body, a plunger, and a cartridge to provide an assembled lash adjuster having the predetermined, desired operating parameters.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (11) for an internal combustion engine, and an improved method of assembly of such a lash adjuster. The lash adjuster (11) is of the type having a body (13), a plunger (15), and a check valve assembly (17). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the check valve assembly comprises a cartridge (17A;17B) comprising a member (27;41) separate from the plunger (15) and defining a valve seat (27S;41S). The check valve cartridge is capable of being assembled and tested for compliance with a predetermined relationship of flow versus pressure differential, prior to assembly into the plunger (15). In accordance with the improved method of assembly, a plurality of different bodies (13A;13B) and plungers (15A;15B;15C;15D) is provided, as well as a plurality of different, interchangeable check valve cartridges (17A;17B), and the assembly operator selects a body, a plunger, and a cartridge to provide an assembled lash adjuster having the predetermined, desired operating parameters.

Abstract: A composite lightweight engine poppet valve (10, 110, 210) that has a valve head portion (12, 112, 212) and at least a portion of the stem portion (14, 114, 214) made from a titanium intermetallic material attached by way of a solid state attachment to a nickel base alloy transition piece (16, 116, 216) that is heat treated for high creep resistance. The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is first attached to one end of the transition piece. The transition piece (16, 116,216) is cut to a desired length and then attached preferably by friction welding to the titanium intermetallic stem portion (14, 114, 214) at a preselected distance (d1, d2, or d3). The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is then attached to the other end of the transition piece. In another embodiment, a second hollow stem portion (215) is attached to the transition piece (216) and the tip portion (218) is then attached thereto.

Abstract: A composite lightweight engine poppet valve (10, 110, 210) that has a valve head portion (12, 112, 212) and at least a portion of the stem portion (14, 114, 214) made from a titanium intermetallic material attached by way of a solid state attachment to a nickel base alloy transition piece (16, 116, 216) that is heat treated for high creep resistance. The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is first attached to one end of the transition piece. The transition piece (16, 116, 216) is cut to a desired length and then attached preferably by friction welding to the titanium intermetallic stem portion (14, 114, 214) at a preselected distance (d1, d2, or d3). The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is then attached to the other end of the transition piece. In another embodiment, a second hollow stem portion (215) is attached to the transition piece (216) and the tip portion (218) is then attached thereto.

Abstract: A lightweight engine poppet valve that has a valve head portion made from a lightweight, heat resistant material is attached to a hollow tube stem portion. The attachment is made with a mechanically locking interfitting joint on an extending portion of the valve head at a preselected distance. Preferably, the mechanically locking interfitting joint is a hydroformed joint.