News about my Engine problems

[Rick Parker]

bobcowan

I have use a High Volume & Hgh Pressure pump on my 289 for 24 years with the same shortblock. Bearing clearances are not stock. Pressure at speed is 70+, currently at idle about 35 PSI. Soon to be freshened. 15/40 or 10/40 oils. Never an issue with cam/distributer gears.

[cobra 53]

Good morning,

Rick; The rockers on cyl.6 are brand new from Summit.

This morning I changed the rockers and pushrods from cyl.6 to cyl.8 and raised up the idling to 850 RPM.

Oiling looks better, but noise returns when engine is getting warm.

I noticed on exh. valve on cyl. 5+6 little bubbles coming out through the valve springs.

While replacing the valve springs and push rods, I also changed the valve steem seals as well.

Is this the reason for the bubbles - is it due to badly fixed valve steem seals?

SBF 302 noise 13 - YouTube

Rico

[FWB]

I don't think its such a crime using the HV pump on a small block. i always did.
i never lost a motor.

the bubbles seem to be just from the oil drip from the spring retainer down to the head.......oiling looks rather normal to me.

the squeek/click has me wondering if there isn't a cracked rocker somewhere. have you checked to make sure the pushrod isn't coming into contact with the rocker at max lift?

is there a mechanical fuel pump on the motor?
i have had loose concentrics and fuel pumps make those noises.

it sounds like something hitting.......

[Frank Messina]

It's surprising that the oil pump drive shaft hasn't twisted itself into a pretzel yet. Your worn distributor gear is proof of excessive oil pressure and drag on the pump. There is no need for a HV oil pump in a SBF except in a highly modified engine with appropriate clearances. Stay with 10W30 or 15W40 max. Anything thicker than that robs power and does nothing for the engine. Replace your distributor gear with a steel gear (not cast iron) that is compatible with your roller cam.
Frank

[carmine]

Cobra 53
It almost sounds like outer spring rubbing some ware.
Or outer spring rubbing with inner spring.

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

bobcowan

I have use a High Volume & Hgh Pressure pump on my 289 for 24 ears with the same shortblock.

You've been lucky. That's not the norm.

Originally Posted by FWB

I don't think its such a crime using the HV pump on a small block. i always did.
i never lost a motor.

High volume doesn't seem to be much of an issue. Some pro builders - The Engine Factory and Keith Craft - use a high volume pump in all of their engines. But some pro builders - Mike Forte and Gordon Levy - say never to use them.

After significant research, I think that if you're using external oiling system components - cooler, remote filter - then you should use a HV pump. Otherwise, use a standard high quality pump. My race engine uses a standard pressure/standard volume pump. Maintaining pressure on the race track and the street is not a problem.

BUT... I have NEVER found a good reason to use a high pressure pump.

Originally Posted by Frank Messina

It's surprising that the oil pump drive shaft hasn't twisted itself into a pretzel yet. Your worn distributor gear is proof of excessive oil pressure and drag on the pump.

This is exactly my point. The evidence is right in front of you. You just have to interpret it correctly.