valve train noise with valve cover spacers

[JohnM]

Hello All,

This is an interesting one that I need help with. I have a newly built 351W with cast iron heads from power Heads. I nstalled roller rockers, the engine has been fired and broken in for the past year no problems. I installed the "tall" valve covers that are supposed to cover the rollers. I had to clearance the baffle inside the cover by pretty much pushing it up tight against the top of the cover...again no problem. Engine started, ran great etc. The only thing I noticed was that it took FOREVER to pour oil into the engine because the baffle was just about closed for clearancing.

Well, just because it took so long to add oil..... I purchased the spacers for the covers, 1" tall, installed them, no problems worked great....except when I fired up the engine I now have valve train ...lifter clackety clack.

My question is why now? Were the tight valve covers insulating the sound ???Is that possible? Or is it a luberication thing because the bottom of the valve covers are so high?

I will re-adjust the rockers...but just wondering if any one ran into this.

As always any info would be most helpful

John