Hydraulic Lifter Question

Greg Kulp · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2003, 07:42 PM

Folks,

I just recently started up my 331 stroker for the first time. It has hydraulic roller lifters. I bought the engine as a long block assembly about 2 years ago, so it's been sitting a while since assembly. I did prime the oil system several times over that period, and before startup.

I am noticing a loud tapping sound from the left cylinder bank, likely cylinder 5 or 6.

Is is possible I have a lifter that is not pumping up? How can I tell for sure? If it turns out to be the case, what are my options? Is there any chance it will decide to pump up on it's own with some more run time?

Any advice or insights would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Greg

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2003, 05:46 AM

Greg,

Make sure that the rocker arm adjustment hasn't backed off a little. There are several options if it is the lifter, but I will leave that to the more knowledgeable lifter guys in the club.

Ron

Greg Kulp · #3 (**permalink**) 08-04-2003, 11:26 AM

Thanks Ron.

Any other ideas/info from other folks?

auto10x · #4 (**permalink**) 08-08-2003, 12:17 PM

Depends on several things. Are you running fresh oil or is it the same stuff that has been in the engine since it was built. First be sure it is adjusted properly. If it is evaluate the noise intensity, if it is not really klacking loudly run it and bring it up to operating temperature. It that does not loosen it up it may require replacement.
auto10x
Bill

Greg Kulp · #5 (**permalink**) 08-08-2003, 06:31 PM

Thanks Bill.

I put fresh oil in the motor. So, I'll give your ideas a try.

Greg

Woodz428 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2003, 08:50 AM

Of course without hearing it personally all is speculation, but I think you're on the right track with the lifter. Unless you back the rockers off when you prime, you could be holding a lifter collapsed and that won't allow oil to enter and fill it properly. I'd pull the valve cover over the suspect area and rotate the engine to put the valves at TDC compression and prime again. It should be obvious which one it is because the pushrod will be loose.

George Snyder · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2003, 09:12 AM

Greg,

did you soak the lifters in oill for a couple of days before installing them in the motor?

Bud

Greg Kulp · #8 (**permalink**) 08-16-2003, 10:02 AM

Thanks guys. It turns out the rocker for the exhaust valve on #5 was adjusted too loose. Adjusted it properly and now eveything sounds much better.

Greg