noisy lifters

[copus]

My buddy and I just finished installing a 351 ford long block in his boat.Motor runs good but a few of the lifters are loud. They are not the adjustable type( pedestal mounted).What would be the correct way to adjust these?

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: noisy lifters

Tighten them down to specs and use stright 30 weight oil. Besides that there is not realy alot you can do. Thats the problem with non adjustable lifters.

 

[clanton]

Re: noisy lifters

Depending on the year and type of engine. I remember 3 different 351s. On 86-93 engines that were connected to OMC outdrives, you could get pushrods that were standard, .060 shorter, .060 longer. Rebuilder problem. Sloppy work on the heads. I am thinging rebuildt engine,because you said long block.

 

[copus]

Re: noisy lifters

Clanton... I just read on a web page that a guy with the same problem ground a few thousands off the bottom of the pedestal to get rid of the slop.My soninlaw is a machinist and could do this easily.<br />Do you see any problems here?<br />I've contacted the rebuilder and waiting for a reply, so I won't do anything until I hear from him.

 

[12Footer]

Re: noisy lifters

351 is a high compression engine, so make sure you are feeding it with 93Octane. Try some octane booster to see if the noisey lifters quiet-down,as it may be preigntion-noise.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: noisy lifters

Copus,<br /><br />Before you do any grinding, make sure the pedestals are not simply worn. Early 351 engines had pedestals made of aluminum, that wore easily. Later on Ford replaced these with a much more durable part.<br /><br />Personally, I don't know why machining a bit off the bottom wouldn't work.<br /><br />Good luck, Gold Bear

 

[clanton]

Re: noisy lifters

When you grind the pedestal it sets the rocker arm closer to the valve stem and pushrod, if you shimmed the pedestal it move the rocker away from the pushrod and valve stem, which I would not do. It has been a long time for me to touch one of these engines, but I remember that the valve stem had a spec for how far the stem passed thru the head. GM had a simple gauge for this, to far and you grind the stem off, not far enough and you ground the seat to move the valve in.

 

[copus]

Re: noisy lifters

Ok, We started the engine today and listened to all the rockers with a piece of hose. We found one rocker that was clicking.Looks like it has zero preload on it, but very little slop. We will try finding an oversize pushrod first and if unavailable I will have about .030 ground off the base of the pedestal. I think that would do it.<br />Still waiting for word from the rebuilder, but not holding my breath.Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Will update when things change.

 

[Down South]

Re: noisy lifters

Are you sure that the lifters have had time to prime? If this is a new install sometimes it takes a while for the lifters to all prime. I've changed hydraulic lifters before even letting them set in a can of motor oil over night and still had priming problems. I'd crank it up and let it idle for a few minutes several times and then let it set for a few hours if you haven't already tried this.<br /><br />Good luck