Passenger side rocker chatter
Thread Starter
|
Desk Jockey
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 421
From: Raleigh, NC
Passenger side rocker chatter
I have noticeable valve train chatter - not clatter or ticking - on the passenger side when the engine heats up.
About the noise
If you’ve ever listened to a cylinder head (using a wood dowel or stethoscope), that’s the sound - just louder. I can hear it in the cab at idle. It’s not a tick or sharp clatter. Just a smooth recurring flow of rockers and springs - but noticeably louder than drivers side bank.
About the engine
I built the 400 for my 77 F100 about two years back. It was my first time assembling an engine. It’s just a slight upgrade with a Erson cam 214/214) and stock heads. Valve job completed; Top end is all stock except for Erson springs match to the cam. Pushrods are stock. Bought the long block so no prior experience with it.
I’ve already checked the rocker bolt torque. All set at 22 ft-lbs. My initial thoughts are worn rockers that may need replacement.
About the noise
If you’ve ever listened to a cylinder head (using a wood dowel or stethoscope), that’s the sound - just louder. I can hear it in the cab at idle. It’s not a tick or sharp clatter. Just a smooth recurring flow of rockers and springs - but noticeably louder than drivers side bank.
About the engine
I built the 400 for my 77 F100 about two years back. It was my first time assembling an engine. It’s just a slight upgrade with a Erson cam 214/214) and stock heads. Valve job completed; Top end is all stock except for Erson springs match to the cam. Pushrods are stock. Bought the long block so no prior experience with it.
I’ve already checked the rocker bolt torque. All set at 22 ft-lbs. My initial thoughts are worn rockers that may need replacement.
Thread Starter
|
Desk Jockey
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 421
From: Raleigh, NC
The oil pressure was definitely a thought. The mechanical gauge has 40 to 70 psi and I still hear the chatter. So I think the oil valve train chatter is incidental to the oil pressure.
As for preload, these are pedestal mount rockers. No preload. So the answer to your question is no. 100% possible I missed the step or put Warren parts back into the cylinder heads.
As for preload, these are pedestal mount rockers. No preload. So the answer to your question is no. 100% possible I missed the step or put Warren parts back into the cylinder heads.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,762
Likes: 2,590
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I have noticeable valve train chatter - not clatter or ticking - on the passenger side when the engine heats up.
About the noise
If you’ve ever listened to a cylinder head (using a wood dowel or stethoscope), that’s the sound - just louder. I can hear it in the cab at idle. It’s not a tick or sharp clatter. Just a smooth recurring flow of rockers and springs - but noticeably louder than drivers side bank.
About the noise
If you’ve ever listened to a cylinder head (using a wood dowel or stethoscope), that’s the sound - just louder. I can hear it in the cab at idle. It’s not a tick or sharp clatter. Just a smooth recurring flow of rockers and springs - but noticeably louder than drivers side bank.
I guess you are for sure is no slight exhaust leak that self heals when a manifold gets hot and expands, etc? I mention because my passenger side exhaust manifold to head pipe joint does that, and it's right there at the firewall. Cold weather seems to bring it out until the exhaust build heat. I've wrapped the joint with exhaust putty tape and wire. Once hot, it's quiet.
Last edited by tbear853; Today at 10:35 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wwhite
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
27
Jun 5, 2020 04:12 PM
dadsold76
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
4
Aug 31, 2012 08:18 PM
68murc
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
4
Oct 13, 2010 07:28 PM
