FE rocker adjustment and it still ticks - now what

[Grubby]

Definitely not a header leak. The sound is quite audible through my stethescope when probing along the tops of the rocker covers.

I notice it through the fender vents when it is idling, and it can be somewhat heard while driving at low speed.

The sound maybe like Patricks. Depends where the microphone was. If I stand half way between the engine and the exhaust it sounds about the same. Keep in mind my car is not a solid lifter.

Do FEs have noisier valve train than other V8s? If yes then it is likely normal.

I think I have the drain back trays. Are they visible in the pictures?

Brent - I was thinking about driving down to see you. If I can't come up with something it may be time for a nice late summer drive to Louisville.

Guys - It is apparent there are two schools of thought on FE oil pressure. I am discounting that as a problem at this point.

I am a very experienced mechanic - just not with Fords. ASE master tech in the mid 90s while working as a GMC Truck engineer in Pontiac MI.

John

[FWB]

Originally Posted by Grubby

Guys - It is apparent there are two schools of thought on FE oil pressure. I am discounting that as a problem at this point.

I am a very experienced mechanic - just not with Fords. ASE master tech in the mid 90s while working as a GMC Truck engineer in Pontiac MI.

John

all the FE's i've had and built. i never....i mean never,.. had any motor under 100k miles have less than 35 lbs of OP at idle unless i had a rod bearing that was on its way out or too much clearance in the cam bearings. if your not finding any component failure then pull the rocker assembly and check for issues, badly worn rocker tips, bent pushrods..... the lash won't be different if you don't mix up the pushrods. thats the easiest to check....if i found nothing.....i would pull the pan and see if the pickup was too close to the bottom( are there any dents in the pan) while it was off i would put one of "pumpbuilders" bluprinted HV oil pumps in it to be safe. if i found factory rods in the motor, i would pull #7 rod cap and look at the bearing. and based on the total ford components in the heads you will probably find a ford reciprocating assembly

if you believe the 15 psi is ok you will loose your motor. this is not a small chevy. when i race a FE i use high pressure and no less than 80 psi at idle with factory journals is acceptable. 100psi at 3000rpm and up.

The "two schools of thinking" on oil pressure is right and wrong with ford cranks and rods.

yes, you show the trays in the rocker pic....if you have an audible tick with hydraulic lifters there is an issue....unless someone built this motor and put damn rhodes lifters in...they are noisey...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FWB

... if you're not finding any component failure then pull the rocker assembly and check for issues, badly worn rocker tips, bent pushrods..... ... ....if i found nothing.....i would pull the pan and see if the pickup was too close to the bottom...

First, take a drive and visit Brent for a fresh pair of ears. Maybe this is all nuthin. The truth is, most FEs run forever without much maintenance at all. If you do pull your rocker assembly, go ahead and get rid of the restrictors, like Jerry suggested. You've got nothing to lose on that and if oil drips out the sidelpipes after a high rev, or if your oil usage jumps way up then you know you're putting too much oil up top and you can tweak the restrictor size -- if the noise goes away and that's what you're experimenting for. I don't think pulling the restrictors will change your oil pressure, but you can watch that as well. Now that's a great plan.

[Grubby]

I am pretty certain the bottom end is Chevy sized rods.

Jerry - What noise is the extra oil to the top end quieting? Do the springs make noise? It should be pretty easy to go in and remove the oil restrictors.

Are the drain trays there to hold oil and keep the springs submerged?

John

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Grubby

I am pretty certain the bottom end is Chevy sized rods.

Jerry - What noise is the extra oil to the top end quieting? Do the springs make noise? It should be pretty easy to go in and remove the oil restrictors.

Are the drain trays there to hold oil and keep the springs submerged?

John

See: 332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum: Drip Rails?

Maybe Jerry wants you to try and remove the drip rails -- he didn't say. I don't know; I don't have them as Erson's are designed not to use them.