I replacing my gaskets ( valve cover) and wondered how i can tell which lifter is noisy?.. I can hear one or two of them tapping when the motor is running. Can u help me out? Thanks

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-May-02 AT 08:01 AM (EST)]Sure, here's one way:

1. Get the engine warmed up, so it will idle smoothly (or as smoothly as possible). The truck needs to be on a level surface.
2. Shut it off, and remove the valve cover, or the one valve cover over the lifter you think is bad.
3. Set the valve cover back on (if it will stay on. V8s may not let it sit there without a bolt, but no matter. Just leave it off.), restart the engine, and let it idle. Yes, with the valve cover off. Unless your drain holes are clogged, you won't lose but a little bit, if any at all.
4. Grasp the pushrods one by one, with 2 fingers. Push down on each one. Let it slip up and down through your fingers, but maintain steady downward pressure between your fingers. A pushrod on a good lifter will not slop or thump.

Here's the "dry" way. I call it dry because the lifters aren't under normal pressure, and you may get a false reading:

1. Remove the valve covers.
2. Rotate the engine to TDC, CYL #1.
3. Check your pushrods on that cylinder. There should be no slop, no clearance at all.
4. Rotate the engine to the next cylinder firing TDC point, according to your engine's firing order, and check those pushrods.
5. Repeat for all cylinders.

 

Thanks,
I'll try the dry way first..

 

When You got the valve cover off, and engine running, like banjopicker said, take a .010 feeler guage, and slip between each valve stem, and rocker arm. If it is loose, you should hear a change in the sound of the tapping, or it will stop.

 

>I replacing my gaskets ( valve cover) and wondered how i can
>tell which lifter is noisy?.. I can hear one or two of them
>tapping when the motor is running. Can u help me out? Thanks

I see from your user gallery that you have a 292. There is a correct way to adjust your valves. Try this link:[link:https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID36/88.html|adjusting valves]

 

One other trick to try is to use a piece of vacuum hose as a stethescope to locate the valve noise -- you should be able to ID the cylinder that it's coming from at least.

Also note that if you're getting a light ticking noise when driving the truck but not at idle, it may be a small exhaust leak instead of valve noise.

 

Thanks steve I couldn't access that cite; adjusting valves
could you email it to me ...Also i have another issue under the engine forum 292...would value the opinion of you and banjopicker66

Thanks

 

Ray: I must confess my knowledge is limited to the FE engine and to the truck series of Fords. I've got books for Ford trucks going back to '61, but when it comes to year or engine specifics other than that, I'm out of my area of expertise, except when it applies to all engines.
Thanks for your confidence, and I'm sorry I couldn't help you on your 292 questions!

 

I have rebuilt my 360HD new cam lifters timming chain oil pump etc when it is hot it ticks really anoying. how can i get that issue resolved. adjustable rockers? where how much? It is the stangest thing. or is the cammshaft a hair too large? .512 / .538 lift?

 

I too have a ticking noise under my driver's side valve cover and would love to know how to fix it.

 

>>I replacing my gaskets ( valve cover) and wondered how i can
>>tell which lifter is noisy?.. I can hear one or two of them
>>tapping when the motor is running. Can u help me out? Thanks
>
>I see from your user gallery that you have a 292. There is a
>correct way to adjust your valves. Try this
>link:[link:https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID36/88.html|adjusting
>valves]

Keep 'er between the ditches.

Krsoti, that link is horked for some reason...

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-Dec-02 AT 09:30 PM (EST)] I'm in need of some more of your worldly advice again. After replacing my oil pump I still do not have as much oil pressure as I did when I first got this truck. Start out with 30 plus pounds and then when it warms up, the pressure drops to 15 or so. also My lifters on the passenger side begins to tick. The sound seems to fluxuate??? some times it will be very distinct and other times not quite so intense. Do I replace the lifters. also when my valve covers are off I don't get a lot of oil on top, Just enough to wet the rods. One more thing. the drivers side seems to be putting out a little smoke staight from the lifters?? I am no mechanic but Have a good idea how the hampster makes the wheel go around. any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance

Nancy Lee

 

 

i know this is late coming however , since i was browsing for info i figured i 'd reply.
cory you may have this noiseproblem fixed but if you haven't here is my view of the problem. with your lift stated i would tend to think that your break in prosedures may have been your answer. assuming that you went with new valve springs, the spring pressure may have been to much for your cam break in. i have a set of single springs with an average of 20% less pressure than new doubles. you can also re-use your old springs for your break in. the new springs are just to strong for a propper break in on a new cam with that amount of lift. you can unknowingly "widdle" your lobes which will result in lifter slop. but if your using your old springs tis is where your problem lies.
hope this helps.