Sudden Lifter Noise

[WhiteGP]

Hi All

Per a previous post on valve train noise, I replaced the even side rockers and shaft. The 440 instantly went silent and purred. Suddenly both side valve trains have gotten noisy, i mean just out of nowhere. I checked oil level, and oil pressure ( runs about 60 psi, always has ) and i checked the timing, it was correct. what could cause such a sudden change? The car runs well as expected but now has tappets clacking a little. Even tho I show good oil pressure is it possible the oil pump is suddenly not moving enough oil ? Anyone have thoughts ? NOTE: I talked with a mechanic i know and he brought up an interesting question, Had I recently "gotten into the engine" i.e. Wound it up, the answer to that is Yes I did, i had a fun day down the street practicing launches ( I live on a dead end road and can do that ). He mentioned maybe re torquing the rocker shafts, Not sure about that but given i have 60 psi oil pressure, new oil with zinc and timing is right i guess it's worth a shot.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I would say at there very minimum. You are going to have to pull the valve covers. Rockers come loose or break. Bent push rods. Any oil laying on the heads.

You might be able to snake a USB camera down a push rod hole. And have a look.

 

[WhiteGP]

I would say at there very minimum. You are going to have to pull the valve covers. Rockers come loose or break. Bent push rods. Any oil laying on the heads.

You might be able to snake a USB camera down a push rod hole. And have a look.

Thanks, Yea I think your right, Im going to tackle that tomorrow, I have a set of gaskets so I'll just pull the valve covers and re torque , i'll post what that does, I have a set of pushrods and a spare rocker assembly ( somewhere ) also if needed No oil laying on the heads I didnt consider that I might have bent a pushrod or two, thanks

 

[540HemiCuda]

Can you tell if all of the lifters/rockers are noisy or only some? That will tell you a lot about what you are likely to find.

.

 

[WhiteGP]

Can you tell if all of the lifters/rockers are noisy or only some? That will tell you a lot about what you are likely to find.

.

I think its only some, bent pushrods make the most sense, im going to open it up today. fortunately i have a spare set of pushrods

 

[Ronbo73]

You might want to figure out why they are bending before you replace them and bend more. Maybe the wrong length push rods or if you have adjustable rockers check the gaps. Keep us posted on what you find.

 

[Xcudame]

How high did you rev it (rpm)? Stock stamped rockers and factory push rods are only good to about 5800 rpm. Obviously removing the valve covers will tell you the most. If it were me, I'd remove each rocker arm assembly and check each pushrod (one at a time so they don't get mixed up) for bending. Then do you best to look at the lifters and camshaft. Once a cam lobe (or lobes) starts going, it's pretty quick. Fingers crossed it's only lose rocker arm bolts, but not holding my breathe.

 

[6PKRTSE]

Are you sure it is lifters and not the rockers clattering? Did you re-install the rocker shafts correctly on correct side from front to back with the oiling holes facing downward towards the #4 cam journal.

 

[WhiteGP]

You might want to figure out why they are bending before you replace them and bend more. Maybe the wrong length push rods or if you have adjustable rockers check the gaps. Keep us posted on what you find.

Thanks, yea good idea. I have a set of pushrods i know are correct for the 440 RB, the motor was dead quit before I got a wild hair and stomped on it one day ( a few times ) The push rods that are in it appear to be stainless but ? maybe not hardend enough ? I'm pulling the covers now....

 

[WhiteGP]

Are you sure it is lifters and not the rockers clattering? Did you re-install the rocker shafts correctly on correct side from front to back with the oiling holes facing downward towards the #4 cam journal.

Yes i did i made sure of that, as i mentioned the motor was dead quiet before, i think i bent some push rods, pulling them now Thanks !

 

[WhiteGP]

How high did you rev it (rpm)? Stock stamped rockers and factory push rods are only good to about 5800 rpm. Obviously removing the valve covers will tell you the most. If it were me, I'd remove each rocker arm assembly and check each pushrod (one at a time so they don't get mixed up) for bending. Then do you best to look at the lifters and camshaft. Once a cam lobe (or lobes) starts going, it's pretty quick. Fingers crossed it's only lose rocker arm bolts, but not holding my breathe.

Hi Xcudme, I dont think i went above 5800 but maybe, that might explain the bending, good advice Thanks

 

[WhiteGP]

Hi Xcudme, I dont think i went above 5800 but maybe, that might explain the bending, good advice Thanks

It didnt have factory pushrods, it had some that were stainless ( came with the car ) and i really dont know how strong they were or what brand, ill just replace them with a factory set of sealed power i have if bent, if i replace 1 ill replace all