390 FE Lifter clattering
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Junior User
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390 FE Lifter clattering
This may come as super simple to some of you. But....
My 390FE has seems like it’s ticking a bit. Not under idle, only while driving. It’s definitely prominent at higher rpms. I had trouble sealing my hooker headers for the longest time and had to use Remflex soft graphite head we gaskets. Reason I’m bring it up is it ALMOST sounds like header leak but there is no way it can be. It really sounds like lifter clatter.
Besides replacing the lifters and push rods, what remedies have you all come across? I’ve tried Marvel to no avail. In fact after running marvel I discovered a very small head gasket leak that never used to be there.
TBH, I work for Oriellys and pulled up the lifters for my truck. Turns out it lists 4-5 different sizes. I’d have to pull a lifter out and match it up in order to get it correct with out system.
Does anyone know what lifter and rod measurement my truck would have stock? ‘73 F250, Trailer Special, 2WD, 390FE.
Thanks guys!!!!
-Ryan
My 390FE has seems like it’s ticking a bit. Not under idle, only while driving. It’s definitely prominent at higher rpms. I had trouble sealing my hooker headers for the longest time and had to use Remflex soft graphite head we gaskets. Reason I’m bring it up is it ALMOST sounds like header leak but there is no way it can be. It really sounds like lifter clatter.
Besides replacing the lifters and push rods, what remedies have you all come across? I’ve tried Marvel to no avail. In fact after running marvel I discovered a very small head gasket leak that never used to be there.
TBH, I work for Oriellys and pulled up the lifters for my truck. Turns out it lists 4-5 different sizes. I’d have to pull a lifter out and match it up in order to get it correct with out system.
Does anyone know what lifter and rod measurement my truck would have stock? ‘73 F250, Trailer Special, 2WD, 390FE.
Thanks guys!!!!
-Ryan
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2015
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Oil pressure seems fine. It’s never been low. Usually just under 1/2 -3/4 depending on temp.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 335
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From: USA
Solid lifters with adjustable rockers or Hydraulic lifters with non adjustable rockers?
Stock cam or aftermarket cam?
Did the noise just start?
You can check the ware patterns on the valve stems and adjust the pushrod length as necessary. Lots of YouTube videos on how to do this.
You might also have a oil pressure issue. One trick I do to diagnose valve train noise is run the engine with the valve covers off and film the valve train in slow motion on my cell phone. Once things are slowed down problems are a lot easier to identify.
Stock cam or aftermarket cam?
Did the noise just start?
You can check the ware patterns on the valve stems and adjust the pushrod length as necessary. Lots of YouTube videos on how to do this.
You might also have a oil pressure issue. One trick I do to diagnose valve train noise is run the engine with the valve covers off and film the valve train in slow motion on my cell phone. Once things are slowed down problems are a lot easier to identify.
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Laughing Gas
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Out of curiosity, are you only sure it isn't an exhaust leak because you put a gasket on? Because exhaust leaks are very common with FE engines too and that is a much easier fix. I'd check that all the exhaust bolts are torqued down before you chase anything else down.
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true exhaust leaks can and do caus eticking-like sounds but usually more at idle speed. from what ive experienced over the years anyways. and is there really aan actual known issue regarding highmileage wear and clacking or any noise of these old FE hydraulic lifters? my old 1973 390 with hydraulic and non adjustable rockers doesnt do anything like that. no noises clicking or clacking or anything. and it was never maintained properly, at all. hmm..
Lead Driver
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FE's have a good oiling system and run the same lifters as many other engines. it's not the lifter or the oil pressure it's usually the rockers. as the rockers and shaft wear it decreases the preload and with old worn lifters and cam it eventually starts making a little noise. all engines can have the same problem .
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true exhaust leaks can and do caus eticking-like sounds but usually more at idle speed. from what ive experienced over the years anyways. and is there really aan actual known issue regarding highmileage wear and clacking or any noise of these old FE hydraulic lifters? my old 1973 390 with hydraulic and non adjustable rockers doesnt do anything like that. no noises clicking or clacking or anything. and it was never maintained properly, at all. hmm..
Well said! I’ll have to take the valve covers off and check it out. Someone mentioned before that they film their rockers and push rods on slow mo on their phone. Sounds pretty cool!
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