1996 S10 4.3L Vortec Lifter Question PLEASE!!

I'm changing the lifters in my 1996 S10, 4.3L vortec. I got the manifold off ok but I'm unsure how to get the piece off that is over the lifters. Its long, looks like it may be made of plastic. There is one over each set of lifters on each side of the motor. It looks like there are two silver things holding it to the block. HOW Do the pieces over the lifters come off? It doesnt look like a nut or anything. What do I need to do to get them off to get the lifters out? THANKS

looking at some pics when i changed my intake gasket it looks like maybe it just snaps in place. don't know for sure just a quess.

To pull the lifters you will also have to pull the heads...

why do you say that i have to pull the heads as well? the only thing keeping me from getting the lifters out is that plastic piece. the heads dont appear to be in the way. unless im missing something, and the heads have to come off to get the plastic piece offf from ontop the lifters?

I'm thinking of the push rods... doh! Anyway, there should be 3 13mm bolts across that plastic piece, then 2 across the top from what I rmember...

Why are the lifters being changed anyways?

The lifters are being changed because the ones in the motor are collapsed. The truck started making a clicking sound when cold and 3 local mechanics told me it was the lifters. From what I can see they were right. It got so bad that it even caused a rocker arm to break in half.

The lifters are being changed because the ones in the motor are collapsed. The truck started making a clicking sound when cold and 3 local mechanics told me it was the lifters. From what I can see they were right. It got so bad that it even caused a rocker arm to break in half.

Tell me this, have you ever done a engline flush on it?

Also, what oil filter do you use.

Chances are, it is not the lifters at all.

What oil filter ?

my problem with the plastic pieces over the lifters ended up being two 3/8" bolts.

The lifters were a problem. a couple of them were definetly collapsed missing their discs and retainers, i ended up replacing the lifters and rocker arms. a couple of push rods should have been replaced but i ended up making them work with a file.

Where did the missing parts go?

they made their way to the oil pan. i just took the truck for a test drive its running better than ever.

Hope you were able to get them out

wow, you are lucky.

wow, you are lucky.
lucky is right, if they wouldnt of made it through, it would have been one heck of a replacement

lucky is right, if they wouldnt of made it through, it would have been one heck of a replacement

Yea, a whole new motor.