Loose rocker arm.
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Loose rocker arm.
I have a 1978 ford f150 with a 400. I just recently did a new can and lifter install. I got the motor running and broke the can in at around 2000 rpm for approximately 20 minutes. After the break in I started hearing a ticking from the valve cover. Took the valve cover off and found a rocker loose fitting against the valve stem even though it is torqued down. It is on just one exhaust valve. All others are fine. Any ideas what could be up. I swapped out a rocker and pushrod from another valve and it had seemed to tighten it up some but still just a little wiggle. Need some help thanks.
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From: Over There
Rocker, pushrod, stud, and valve all look in good condition?
If you like pull all the exhaust rockers on that side and lay a flat edge against them to ensure they are all the same height.
But yes chances are you have a bad lobe.
If you like pull all the exhaust rockers on that side and lay a flat edge against them to ensure they are all the same height.
But yes chances are you have a bad lobe.
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OK. This valve is closed right now so.. That would mean the lifter is on the base circle of the cam correct??. Wouldn't that show me that the cam is probably fine and maybe just a worn lifter. And could I pull the lifter without pulling the intake since it is one I can get too??
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From: Courtenay, B.C.
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I used 10w30 with the assembly lube included with the cam on the lobes of the cam and the faces of the lifters. I just dont see how it would be one lobe. It is just ticking on the drivers side. no other rockers are loose fitting. I am hoping it is a weak spring or bad rocker.
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From: Courtenay, B.C.
Reason i asked about the oil is i lost a cam right after break in on a 302 i built a few years ago. The break in lube was lost after i changed the oil after the 20 min break in session and since conventional oil doesnt have the addititives it needs to run engines with flat tappet cams anymore, i ran into problems. I have adjustable rockers on that motor and they would loosen up after a couple hours run time.
When i pulled it down to inspect i found 2 wiped lobes and a few others on their way. This engine had only a couple days of run time and it was a comp cam brand. I also know of a pontiac 455 that did the same thing very recently. The oil you buy off the shelf is no good for engines with aftermarket flat tappet cams, you can buy an additive or get oil specially made for the old style engines
When i pulled it down to inspect i found 2 wiped lobes and a few others on their way. This engine had only a couple days of run time and it was a comp cam brand. I also know of a pontiac 455 that did the same thing very recently. The oil you buy off the shelf is no good for engines with aftermarket flat tappet cams, you can buy an additive or get oil specially made for the old style engines
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I have heard that too. The motor has only been run maybe an hour tops. I am hoping it is not a wiped out cam. Just hoping maybe something in valve train. I can swap rockers and a pushrod on the valve that is loose and it gets a little tighter fit. That's why I think it may be a bad rocker
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