I know this probably is not the place to ask this question but I have found a set of D0VE heads that I want and the little lady says this issue should be taken care of first.

I have a 97 Ch**y 350 with 211,000 miles on it. It doesn't use any oil but when I first crank it, it ticks 4 - 5 times and then the ticking stops and everything is peaches and cream. It sounds like a valve. Any suggestions?

I know this is not a 385 series question but if this is taken care of then I can get to work on the 460 for my 49. Consider it a general automotive question.

 

It's likely a hydraulic lifter. If you're going to dig into the engine and change the lifters, you might want to consider installing a new performance cam too. You can probably get one that will work with the engines computer, and get you some more power and/or mileage, or both.

 

Thanks John, I will certainly look into it. I was kinda afraid to look at the reply. Wasn't sure what to expect after commiting such a sacreligeous act

 

I'm sure there's more than one or two folks on here have some non-ford vehicles in their driveways. Heck, at one time, I had a GMC 3500hd, my 97 Super Duty, a cheby lumina, a subaru forester, and a dodge pickup. What brand loyality? I will admit, the lumina, dodge, and GMC were replaced with my 02 F-250. When I go to leave, it's easier to choose what to drive now. I have fewer choices.

 

211,000 you mean you got a chevy cam to last that long.
Ol cam worn causing more clearance in the train or weak lifters.

Those lifters been working hard all those miles & once the engines off & oil presure dyes down, next morning it takes a while for the presure to build & push the valve open & you end up with a rocker slap.

Next oil change, just as a test, throw a qt of Lucas oil treatment & Marvel Mystery in the bottom end see what that does, but 211,000, she bout due a rebuild.
Neil

 

I see you're new to FTE, Welcome!
I had 300,000 on the 3500HD when I sold it. The only thing done to the internals of the engine was a timing gear and chain at about 240,000 miles. It was the 454, 1992 model. It was starting to miss, one exhaust manifold only had about 3 or 4 bolts holding it on. I'm sure the exhaust valves were toast!

 

Yep, them ol fofiddyfo's is right tuff, got a old 78 model still kicking.
I wonder about the 8.1, 496 how it working.
Neil

 

Welcome to FTE C-Leigh Racing.
I will try the lucas and marvel mystery treatment first. It sounds like the cheapest route.

Thanks For the help both of you