Lifters in an engine are commonly referred to as what?

Lifters in an engine are often referred to as tappets. Tappets serve a crucial role in the operation of an engine's valvetrain, acting as a component that transfers motion from the camshaft to the pushrods or directly to the valves. In simpler terms, they help to lift the valve open at the correct timing during the engine cycle, allowing air and fuel to enter and exhaust gases to exit the combustion chamber.

The term "tappet" specifically describes the component that interfaces with the camshaft to control the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. This ensures that the engine operates efficiently and smoothly, maintaining the proper timing for combustion. Highlighting the proper relationship between the tappets and the other components, such as rocker arms, pistons, and valves, clarifies their unique function within the engine assembly.

Rocker arms, for instance, pivot on a shaft to transfer the motion from the lifters (or tappets) to the valves, while pistons are part of the combustion chamber and are responsible for converting fuel energy into mechanical energy. Valves themselves are the openings that are operated by the tappets (or lifters) to control the flow of gases, but they do not directly perform