390 noise
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 15
As long as there is some preload I don't see how adding more will make the valve train any quieter unless you've got the lifter adjusted to be nearly bottomed out and if the lifter is very leaky(poor quality); instead of leaking down the expected .006 is actually leaking much more maybe .020. If the lifter was adjusted to be only .006 from the bottom and it couldn't bleed of any more than that amount it would be quieter.
The valvetrain probably would also run quieter if solid lifters where used and set to have a lash that's .006 X the rocker ratio.
The valvetrain probably would also run quieter if solid lifters where used and set to have a lash that's .006 X the rocker ratio.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,676
Likes: 785
I don't know why that would work but I'd bet that the older ones were domestically sourced and the newer ones that they have been selling are imported. Maybe getting the plunger farther down into the bore in the lifter seals it up better if there's some taper inside of the body.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
"reasonable priced sources for custom length pushrods...".
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 266
Likes: 7
"reasonable priced sources for custom length pushrods...".
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,676
Likes: 785
"reasonable priced sources for custom length pushrods...".
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 236
From: Southern California
"reasonable priced sources for custom length pushrods...".
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 15
"reasonable priced sources for custom length pushrods...".
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
My 390 was on a dyno tuner a week ago and I was told the valves are a little too tight on 3 of the cylinders.
I plan to pull some pushrods, get the length, and order some shorter ones.
Who sells custom lengths?
And, how much shorter would you guess I needed to go. Just runs a little rough on idle. When warmed up.
Sorry to butt in here but I saw your comment above and I couldn't resist.
To determine length I bought the adjustable push rod kit with the proper size ***** on the end. Adjusted length so there was no preload on the lifter. Remove and measure then add the recommended preload. I would add .030" for preload unless your lifter supplier recommends a different preload.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18867058
https://www.pushrods.net/
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Thunderkiss, thx. I called napa just now after reading your post.
I ordered a few pushrods from them that are .030" under.
9.57" long, .375 ball diameter. About 5 bucks apiece.
Any tricks about changing pushrods? Do I need to take the rocker arm shafts completely off?
I ordered a few pushrods from them that are .030" under.
9.57" long, .375 ball diameter. About 5 bucks apiece.
Any tricks about changing pushrods? Do I need to take the rocker arm shafts completely off?
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 15
My recent experience was with the Comp Cams, I am having other issues (occasional backfire through carburetor) which I am not sure are related to the cam or lifters.
My previous experience dating back 25 years with Crane Cams was good but I built engines with RV grade cams, not high performance.
A recent high performance install was a custom grind designed for a heavily built 351W with a blower on it. Also worked out good. Forgot who I bought that one from.
My previous experience dating back 25 years with Crane Cams was good but I built engines with RV grade cams, not high performance.
A recent high performance install was a custom grind designed for a heavily built 351W with a blower on it. Also worked out good. Forgot who I bought that one from.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 236
From: Southern California
Thunderkiss, thx. I called napa just now after reading your post.
I ordered a few pushrods from them that are .030" under.
9.57" long, .375 ball diameter. About 5 bucks apiece.
Any tricks about changing pushrods? Do I need to take the rocker arm shafts completely off?
I ordered a few pushrods from them that are .030" under.
9.57" long, .375 ball diameter. About 5 bucks apiece.
Any tricks about changing pushrods? Do I need to take the rocker arm shafts completely off?
putting the rocker shaft back on is a pita, just make the pushrods go in the rocker hole then tighten same as you took apart, half turn at a time. Torque should be 40#s
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Thunderkiss, I removed all the pushrods. Thanks for your instructions.
The pushrods are all 9.59". I think this engine is a late 60's Fairlane or such,
based on the dipstick location in the block, and the thermostat type, which is big.
I think these engines took a 9.62 pushrod as stock. The later ones take a 9.59.
Using a straightedge along the valve stems I can see some are way taller than others. Over .100".
My plan is to put a 9.56 pushrod at the valves that were missing, and the other tallest ones.
That's .60 under stock, I'm thinking. Next tallest get 9.59. And the shortest ones get 9.65 or 9.68.
What do you think? Any comments welcome.
The pushrods are all 9.59". I think this engine is a late 60's Fairlane or such,
based on the dipstick location in the block, and the thermostat type, which is big.
I think these engines took a 9.62 pushrod as stock. The later ones take a 9.59.
Using a straightedge along the valve stems I can see some are way taller than others. Over .100".
My plan is to put a 9.56 pushrod at the valves that were missing, and the other tallest ones.
That's .60 under stock, I'm thinking. Next tallest get 9.59. And the shortest ones get 9.65 or 9.68.
What do you think? Any comments welcome.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 15
It sounds like someone did work to the heads and did not restore to OEM condition so there is a wide variation in size you need..
Changing rods as you mention could cause more problems. If it was my car I would buy an adjustable push rod tool (about $25) to measure the length needed and use the closest available to the length you need after you add in preload.
Using sheet metal scissors I cut a baffle from 4" wide aluminum flashing which allowed me to run the engine with the valve covers off. You may want to try the same if you have room.The baffle sits just inside the lower cover gasket surface and keeps the oil off the manifold and inner fenders.
Changing rods as you mention could cause more problems. If it was my car I would buy an adjustable push rod tool (about $25) to measure the length needed and use the closest available to the length you need after you add in preload.
Using sheet metal scissors I cut a baffle from 4" wide aluminum flashing which allowed me to run the engine with the valve covers off. You may want to try the same if you have room.The baffle sits just inside the lower cover gasket surface and keeps the oil off the manifold and inner fenders.