FE rocker adjustment and it still ticks - now what

[tboneheller]

Mine was making noise like a mis-adjusted rocker. Found out that it requires 11 1/2 quarts of oil to fill a FE with an Aviad pan & an oil cooler. Now I always have great oil pressure & the ticking is gone.
Try adding to the oil level & see if your issue goes away.

[Grubby]

I have struggled with oil level. The ERA manual says 8.5 quarts. I have the Avaid pan, oil cooler and remote filter.

Thanks.
John

[FWB]

when reving the engine is there any fluctuation in the oil pressure. if so that would indicate the pan running dry.
what oil pressure i like at idle would depend on the crank rod journal size you have.
factory ford rod size= 45 psi min
chev journal=30-35 min

i would start by trying a thicker oil but i don't think it is the root of the pressure problem. the rockers would be my first place to check too.

[Grubby]

Can you guys give some direction on what to look for on rocker clearance?

I am a Chevy guy and the FE is very new to me.

It looks like I will change oil to 20W-50 and check rocker clearance and report back.

No oil pressure fluctuation at high rpms.

John

[FWB]

John,
let me ask you then since your more familiar with GM, are you sure you have factory ford rockers? take some pics of the rocker set up.
checking clearances may take more than you think, applying oil pressure with the valve covers off would let you see any excess losses there.


you could spin the motor with the ignition disabled or pull the distrib. and spin the oil pump with a drill to see if you have excess leakage out the sides of the rockers or shafts.

the restriction size you stated seems right in line with what others are running.

are you absolutely sure your oil pressure gauge is right? just so your not chasing ghosts. tick or no tick, is it oil pressure or just bad or worn components.

just for the sake of making sure add an extra quart of oil and see if the oil pressure goes up.