Lifter oil circulation question....

Skipster1

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Apr 24, 2004
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.... I have just replaced 6 of the 12 lifters and pushrods - for the front 3 cylinders - in my InLine 6 Mercruiser.<br />The oil is splashing freely in the front (where I replaced the parts) and barely any oil is splashing in the back.<br />Is this because I need to adjust the rocker arms in the front three cylinders (with the new parts)... or is this the way it should be??????<br />Thanks,<br />Skip
 

tremtech

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Jun 17, 2004
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Why did you not replace all the lifters at the same time?
 

Skipster1

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

I'm a novice at valve and lifter stuff is why.<br />Your question is not helpful... I need an answer to my initial question.
 

f_inscreenname

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Aug 23, 2001
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Lifters should be replaced as a set. “The oil is splashing freely in the front (where I replaced the parts) and barely any oil is splashing in the back” Replace the remaining lifters and see if that doesn't fix your problem. All the lifters should be “splashing” the same.
 

Skipster1

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Thanks Chief... I replaced them all and they are all "splashing" about the same.<br />Now I am right back at the point that got me started on all this. One of those lifters is loud as heck. I think I need to run some diesel fuel or Marvel Oil thru the engine and see if that doesn't clean out the system???????
 

flashback

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

you may have a bad valve which is causing the noise....do a compression test to find out...
 

Dunaruna

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Skiph,<br /><br />All new lifters now yes? Then its either worn cam lobe or wrong rocker clearance IMO.<br /><br />Aldo
 

Skipster1

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

HOw can I check for "rocker clearance"????<br />Also... what is IMO?????<br />This noise is not steady.... it floats in and out, sometimes no noise for minutes and then it begins again.<br />The engine starts quickly and is powerful.<br />I am perplexed and hexed by the noise thing....
 

Dunaruna

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

In My Opinion.<br /><br />You've got a few threads going on this problem, it gets confusing. The rocker clearance question has already been answered - screw post bolt down to zero lash (lightly) then a further 1/2 turn. <br /><br />Might be time to get a manual so that the procedure and specs. are handy.<br /><br />Aldo
 

Buttanic

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Sep 25, 2003
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Check for a bent push rod by rolling them on a peice of plate glass. Sometimes a bent pushrod will cause the rocker arm to swing back and fort over the valve stem causing the ajustment clearence to change which causes the tapping to come and go. I have had it happen to my car engine.<br /><br />Buttanic
 

Flukinicehole

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May 29, 2004
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

How did the bottom of your old lifters look? Were any of them worn or cupped? IF so then you have cam problems.
 

Skipster1

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Okay... I DID replace all the pushrods - as well as the lifters - and everything looked fine. In fact none of the pushrods or lifters looked worn or bent. They were in perfect shape.<br />I adjusted the new lifters according to specs.<br />But still the "come and go" noise. It is not a deep, thumping noise (like a bad bearing), instead a clacking noinse.<br /> I know it is coming from the top of the engine, not deep down. The engine starts beautifully and runs strong. And oil now is circulating on the top.<br />I still don't know what "IMO" is.....????<br />I am thinking I should put some Marvel Oil in the engine in hopes of cleaning out the oil flow???
 

FreeBeeTony

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May 15, 2002
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

I recently rebuilt my IL6. New lifters were installed along with new bearings, pistons (+0.030), rings, etc... After adjusting the valves +3/4 turn after zero lash, the engine is quiet except for some "tapping" if I rev it up in neutral and back it off quickly. I was told that this was the lifters "coming off a load". I don't tink I am going to worry about this. Does your engine make this noise while idling?
 

Fishermark

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Oct 19, 2003
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Does the noise you are describing come when you accelerate under load? It may be the engine "knocking" or "pinging" due to low octane, or too advanced timing instead of lifter noise. The two can sound similiar.<br /><br />If you look at Aldo's post above, you will see that he answered the IMO question. It stands for "In my opinion." AKA (also known as) IMHO (in my humble opinion). :)
 

Skipster1

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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Got it.... humble opinion.....<br />Okay.... here is a link to a movie I just shot, with sound.... at the end of it - when I change RPMs - you can hear the "lifter" noise distinct from other engine noises....<br />Here is the link: http://home.comcast.net/~skiph1/
 

Rainmaker

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Mar 21, 2004
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Some thoughts....<br /><br />That engine had pressed-in rocker studs. May want to check if a rocker stud is actually pulling out of the head as you adjust the valve lash. This would cause improper adjustment and noise. Situation can be corrected with screw-in studs.<br /><br />Also, the rocker nuts should have interference threads to hold them in position once the lash is adjusted. If they're not interference, they'll work themselves loose.
 

Rainmaker

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Mar 21, 2004
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Skip,<br />Just listened to the video (couldn't see anything, just sound). I would recommend a compression check as CPO Flashback has suggested.<br /><br />Does it burn oil?<br /><br />I'm a Florida native. I've seen the gator population increase dramatically over the years. I'm scared shipless of these creatures and always will be. Never got used to them. Currently live on a saltwater canal in east Florida. Last weekend my wife and I watched as a 5 footer mythodically ate a couple of mallard duck chicks as they swam frantically around (following their mother) not fully understanding what was happening.
 

a.d.mobile

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Jul 15, 2002
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326
Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

that clip is great sure sounds bad. sounds like there may be more than a lifter. have you done a running valve adjustment?
 

Skipster1

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Apr 24, 2004
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Thanks... the sound is not that clear, except at the end.<br />How would I do a running valve adjustment??????
 

Skipster1

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Apr 24, 2004
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Re: Lifter oil circulation question....

Hey Rainmaker.... it doesn't burn ANY oil. I will do a compression check.<br />Alligators are the Keeper of the Everglades.... absolutely essential to the Glades and the fresh water supply for 10 million South Floridians...<br />we can discuss this better via email: skiph1@comcast.net
 
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