What is another term for lifters in an engine?

Lifters in an engine are also known as tappets. They are critical components in the valve train mechanism of an internal combustion engine. Their primary function is to transfer the motion from the camshaft to the pushrods or directly to the valves, helping to control the timing and movement of the engine's intake and exhaust valves.

This term is often used interchangeably with "lifters" because they essentially describe the same functional component, especially in overhead valve engines. Understanding this terminology is essential for anyone working with engine mechanics, as it supports comprehension of how different engine components interact.

The other terms relate to different aspects of the engine: cylinders refer to the chambers where fuel and air burn, pistons are the moving components within the cylinders that compress the air-fuel mixture and create power, and valves are the openings controlled by lifters that allow the flow of gases in and out of the cylinders. Each of these components plays a unique role in engine operation, but tappets specifically define the part that controls valve lift, thereby making it the correct association for lifters.