Topic: 289 - Rocker(s) tapping on rebuilt

[CW4macret]

I started the motor this past weekend. It fired right off with a few valves tapping but then got quite. As it raised temp how ever I had 2 that started tapping again and got louder and louder. I shut it down and ran the valve adjustment process again and fire it off. Ran fine until it started to get to temp then same to valves got loud again. I pull the covers off re-adjust all the valves and stated it with the covers off. Ran fine but as it got warmer the same 2 started tapping. My thought was 1 the nut is backing off or 2 bad lifters. Well I tighten them down until they quieted and sure enough after a short time they started tapping again. Nuts are not moving. So I cranked then down then backed them off several time but it did no good. Going to have to replace the lifters. My point is the rebuilt motor came with the car and I have no idea how long it sat with out being turned over so I am guessing 2 of the liters went bad from setting.

[Richard P.]

I'd make sure that the rocker arm studs aren't pulling out of the head.

[CW4macret]

Well new lifters worked. Car runs great and is very quiet

[1967 eight barrel]

Sometimes the reed valve in them goes bad when they are sitting for a long time under load. We also see a lot of Chinese junk because many of the US companies are manufacturing off shore and the product isn't up to par. Are you sure the lifters were new? You could take the clip out of one and look for varnish on the inside of the lifter. If it's varnished, you know they weren't new.

[CW4macret]

Yes they were new. I have the receipts that came with the dismantled car. Engine sat built for 5 years before I pulled the pan and valve covers and checked everything. Did not pull the lifters just check adjustment and spun oil pump with a drill to prime everything.  Good motor other than the 2 failed lifters. I am sure it was aged with no use that cased them to fail.