[Don Payne]

So after my recent tear-down/build-up, of which I tried to take even greater care in assembly, I now have a bit of a tapping sound going on when I have the engine running. I can feel the passenger side valve cover vibrating more vigorously than the driver's side. Also, the engine seems to run rough and does not get better at higher rpm.

The last time I took off the valve cover it looked like there were marks on the oil splash shield and I am thinking my rocker arms may be contacting it, thus creating the sound. FWIW, the sound correlates with the rpm and seems like it is coming from the valve cover area. I re-adjusted all of the valves again and it did not seem to change anything. The funny thing is I never had this problem before, but I am re-using the same cork valve cover gaskets, and every time I tighten them down they seem to crush just a tad bit more each time. I wonder if this could be bringing it into contact with the rockers.

Any ideas? Should I post video and photos?

 

[Gordon Levy]

If you are using Cobra valve covers and roller rockers this is really common. If it is a really minor tap you can use a really thick valve cover gasket and it should have enough clearance. You can get the extra thick gaskets from Summit.

 

[Don Payne]

I am using these:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-6582-W427P/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FPP-1645/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-1632-16/

I think I'll have to do a clay check to like NGE did to see if I actually am making contact with my valve cover splash guard.

 

[Daddy-O]

There are risers you can use instead of new covers. You knew that.

 

[Don Payne]

Ok, so after further inspection of the valve covers with clay, there is no way they are contacting the rocker arms. These valve covers are TALL. I did notice 2 things last night. My headers are actually getting marked where they are close to my PS footbox. This may be a possible source of the noise. Also, I noticed that my transmission (TKO-600) is practically touching my trans tunnel on the PS side. The housing looks like it is also making contact, making it another possible source of the noise.

I'll keep looking. Hopefully I'll have time tonight to start it up and investigate further.

 

[samadhi]

gents my rockers are hitting my proform ford racing covers at the baffles...

Those risers at jegs are 185+

Am I shopping for new covers or will a thick gasket do it? I need 1/4" easily, maybe more.

 

[Butch B]

Can you just remove the oil baffle and mounting studs? On my EFI 302s/347 I just removed baffle and ground off the mounting studs(bosses) many yrs. ago & no problems with rockers hitting.
hth
Butch

 

[samadhi]

Won't it blow oil out without the baffle?


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App

 

[Don Payne]

BTW, I did remove the baffle...same noise and it is getting worse.

This time I was very careful to try to locate the sound. I moved all around the engine and stuck my ear up close to everything. I am afraid I have a bad lifter. UGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH! Will this never end?

 

[Jim Doak]

Don,

You could pull and drain your oil filter, cut it open and inspect the filter media for metallic particles to verify that it's not something more serious (like the bearings).

That's what I did with my first engine. Loud tapping noise that was RPM dependent. First I checked for exhaust leaks, then I tried adjusting my valves, then went on to replace my lifters (like you I thought that it might be a bad lifter) then ended up pulling and inspecting my oil filter. Not a pretty sight with all the silver-colored metal within the filter media.

At least if you pull and inspect the oil filter you can hopefully verify that it's not bearings causing the noise.

I feel for you, Bud.

 

[Don Payne]

Don,

You could pull and drain your oil filter, cut it open and inspect the filter media for metallic particles to verify that it's not something more serious (like the bearings).

That's what I did with my first engine. Loud tapping noise that was RPM dependent. First I checked for exhaust leaks, then I tried adjusting my valves, then went on to replace my lifters (like you I thought that it might be a bad lifter) then ended up pulling and inspecting my oil filter. Not a pretty sight with all the silver-colored metal within the filter media.

At least if you pull and inspect the oil filter you can hopefully verify that it's not bearings causing the noise.

I feel for you, Bud.

Good point, I'll do that. I don't suppose you have one of those oil filter cutters?

 

[ntrudelle]

You can buy a stethoscope to pinpoint on your valve covers where the sound is coming from if it's coming from the heads,it's very sensitive to noise,just saying.