Tappit noise

Johnnydidd

Johnnydidd

Well-known member
just overhauled my 312, new cam, all new bearings, new pistons bored 20 over, crank 10 under, all new valve guides, and valves, all passages oil cleaned, runs great, used drill to run new oil pump to make sure everything was being oiled, got around 40lbs of oil pressure with drill, Started her up ran like it should only noisy lifters after 10 min quieted down, smoked, ran for 25 min, smoked cleared, drives good except for a couple small problem. Now when I start her up after sitting for a couple of hrs I have noisy tappets last for 5 to 10 minutes. oil pressure is 60 lbs at running speed 20 mph idle 40 lbs immediately warm up temp 180 or so. Is this normal or should I put on a top oiler.
 
If you have oil running out of the tubes at the end of the rocker shaft/stand and oil at the rockers then you don't need an aftermarket oiler.

Are the valves adjusted to ,019 which is the recommended clearance?

What oil are you using. I like either 15/40 or 20/50.
 
All the above is correct. Assuming you followed the cam break in instructions, typically 15 minutes or so at 2000-2500 rpm, you now need to readjust the valves. Hot and cold settings can vary, only .002-.003 or so. Try that first if you've got oil out the rockers right after start. A new build with everything clean shouldn't need oilers. Or ever need them with detergent oil and regular changes. Remember to use flat tappet oil with ZDDP.
 
Did the rockers get refaced? If not there maybe excessive wear in the area that contacts the valve tip and it's hard to use a feeler gauge accurately, so your .019 could be more like .025 or more. When cold it would be noisy at that clearance, but as mentioned you will probably only see a .002-.003 change (tighter) when the engine comes up to temp. Any chance it's not the valve train, maybe a clicky fuel pump?
 
It was recommended to me to use Valvoline VR1 racing oil in my 302 as it contains the necessary zinc. NAPA stores carry it.
 
I am using 5 w 20 plus zinc additive, I only have 20 miles on overhaul I will readjust tappets after 500 miles. tappets were adjusted hot after running for 25 minutes.
 
I have never had a problem with cold adjustments on a Y block. If you have good oil flow out the oil tubes on the ends of the rocker shafts, restrict that flow to put pressure on the rockers at the opposite end of the shafts.
 
Ford's spec for oil back in the fitties was straight 30 wt for most climates. I think modern 5w30 or 10w30 would be the ticket for a fresh build.
 
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