There are 4 different types of VLOM design from 2005-2018 and 2 engine generations each with 2 different designs. The first 2005-2014 pre-Direct injection engines will need to be modified as I do in my original lifter release video which is as follows:
Pre-Direct injection
For video instruction click here https://youtu.be/pP7I5tbXsfw?t=1637
1: Remove oil pressure sensor and screen under oil pressure sensor. Discard the screen.
2: Cut a 1/4" or larger section of all 8 gaskets that sit above the oil towers out. Make sure to cut plastic and all. I prefer to use a sharp chisel.
3: Place VLOM plug in area you removed oil pressure sensor from. Using a socket or punch with slightly smaller diameter than VLOM plug, pound in the VLOM plug until it bottoms out.
4: Thread in oil pressure sensor.
5: Optional. Test your work. Use compressed air to pressurize the VLOM from under the oil pressure sensor. If no air comes out any solenoids/ports you are done.
Congratulations you have completed the VLOM mod.
Post-Direct injection
This only applies to AFM engines. Some 2018 engines might have a DFM system and I have no solution for those yet. Key word "YET" but some day I'm sure. 😉
I recommend watching this video https://youtu.be/efV9q5k-3SM in reference to direct injection. The direct injection units are a bit more involved.
Optional: Test if your VLOM leaks and if it caused the lifter failure. Put on some safety glasses and keep your mouth closed (thank me later lol) Add air pressure to the port that feeds VLOM oil. This port is directly under allen plug near oil pressure sensor. If oil sprays out of any of the oil tower gaskets, Your VLOM is the reason for lifter failure. It should not leak there. This means it was adding oil pressure to the AFM activation side of the lifter when it shouldn't be.
1: Remove oil pressure sensor, allen plug, and screen (if present) under allen plug. Discard the screen.
2: Cut a 1/4" or larger section of all 8 gaskets that sit above the oil towers out. Make sure to cut plastic and all. I prefer to use a sharp chisel.
3: Clean out and observe hole under allen plug location. Check how many step downs you see as well as note the hole locations for oil pressure sensor and VLOM oil feed hole. Your goal is to block the Oil feed hole to the VLOM and keep the hole for oil pressure sensor open.
4: Find a socket or punch with slightly smaller diameter than VLOM plug. Set VLOM plug in the allen plug hole. Use a hammer and punch/socket to hit the VLOM plug with light to medium hits. If it has no issue going down to the VLOM oil feed hole and blocking it you are all set and ready for testing. Skip to step number 9. If however it seems too tight you will have to remove it and do a modification to it. See next step.
5: Using a smaller punch, tap VLOM plug out from bottom side of VLOM.
6:Take plug over to a vise and clamp down on the flat ends leaving it high enough to expose center hole. Be cautious not to damage the outside diameter of the plug when clamping it down.
7:Use a hack saw or some sort of hack saw thickness type cutting device to add a slot to the plug. Make sure the slot goes from Flat to flat so it will allow plug to shrink in diameter when pressing it in.
8: Remove plug from vise and attempt to press it back into VLOM. Make sure to aim the slot you made AWAY from the VLOM solenoid oil feed hole. It should now press into place but it might seem a bit tight.
9: Install allen plug.
10: Add some air to port under allen plug and make sure oil pressure sensor gets air out of it. If not, the plug isn't in far enough. If so proceed to next step.
11: Install oil pressure sensor.
12: Put on some eye protection, pressurize VLOM from port located under allen plug.
If air/oil sprays out then you will have to investigat the VLOM plugs location in relation to the hole feeding the solenoids. Make sure you get that hole covered up.
Once successful no air/oil will come out of the solenoids or small port at the rear of the VLOM. Congratulations you have successfully completed the VLOM mod.
FOR ALL SYSTEMS:
Don't forget to get the tune done to shut off the AFM system. I recommend LT1swap.com for the disable
Please let me know below any complications you had and if your VLOM did or didn't require the added slot to install it.
Did you need to add a slot to your VLOM plug?
Yes
No