Delphi Roller Hydraulic Valve Lifters (RHVL) are valve train components that convert the rotation of the cam shaft into linear motion. The roller provides minimal friction at the cam/lifter interface. Delphi RHVL automatically eliminate clearance between valve train components to provide an adjustment and a maintenance-free system.
The key to the automatically adjusting system is a high pressure chamber and the control of engine oil out of, and into, the chamber. A plunger that resides in the lifter body has a precise clearance to the body, forming an annulus. When the plunger is loaded during valve lift, oil is expelled through the annulus. During valve lift, the plunger expels oil allowing the plunger to displace a small distance within the body. When the engine valve closes and the load is removed, the plunger spring and oil pressure keep the valve train components in contact. The plunger moves within the body to recover the distance that the plunger traveled during loading, plus or minus any changes that may have occurred. The check valve opens and refills the chamber. This process is repeated for every valve event providing continuous automatic adjustment.
Delphi's RHVL also feature a metered oil supply for lubrication of the engine overhead through the push rod. The metering valve is designed to minimize sensitivity to contamination.
Benefits
Typical Applications
Delphi Roller Hydraulic Valve Lifters are designed for all cam-in-block internal combustion engines. Two lengths are available to meet customer requirements for mass and packaging.
Performance Specifications (for Both Configurations)
| Maximum engine operating speed | 6,000+ rpm (typical) |
| Roller follower material | High alloy bearing steel |
| Roller follower crown radius | 585 mm |
| Roller follower diameter | 17.775 mm |
| Recommended maximum Hertzian contact stress |
1,900 MPa with steel cam |
| Oil supply pressure | 100-500 kPa (typical) |
| Body outside diameter | 21.4 mm (standard) |
| Recommended RHVL bore diameter | Cast iron: 21.425 mm to 21.445 mm Aluminum: 21.417 mm to 21.438 mm |
Installation Diagrams
Short Roller
Long Roller

These diagrams show overall measurements for both the short and long roller configurations of Delphi Roller Hydraulic Valve Lifters. (Note: All dimensions are in millimeters.)
Performance Advantages
Delphi Roller Hydraulic Valve Lifters feature a low-friction, high alloy roller bearing that helps improve fuel economy and reduces component wear. Delphi RHVL are manufactured according to consistent processes and undergo extensive testing to deliver robust, world-class quality and proven reliability.
Delphi was the first to produce RHVL for the automotive industry. They have been in production since 1981 for diesel engines and since 1985 for gasoline engines. Today, more efficient, performance-oriented Delphi valve train systems are helping vehicle manufacturers meet more stringent emissions requirements and more ambitious performance objectives.
The Delphi Advantage
Delphi has more than 75 years' experience in valve train systems and our high-quality conventional valve train products have earned industry-wide respect. Delphi's deep understanding of the combustion process and our vast research and development capabilities have also enabled continuing innovation. Delphi is an industry leader in engine management systems, so whether a customer chooses a complete system or an individual component, Delphi's systems expertise is built into every product. Delphi can help manufacturers reach higher levels of performance while achieving regulatory compliance.