Composite hybrid valve lifter for automotive engines

This paper describes the development of a hybrid valve lifter composed of composite and steel for use in a valve train in an automotive internal combustion engine. Emphasis in this work was placed on reducing the mass of the valve lifter in order to achieve higher fuel efficiency. Several issues regarding design and manufacture of the composite hybrid valve lifter had been investigated and addressed based on the functional requirements of the valve lifter. Prototype hybrid valve lifters were manufactured and a series of durability tests were conducted on the laboratory bench. The tests showed that hybrid valve lifter were sufficiently durable to withstand the test loads.