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Valvetrain clatter/noise

You might want to get an adjustable pushrod and check the length that you should have with your set-up.

Keep the lifters in order so they go back where they were if you pull them.
 
You might want to get an adjustable pushrod and check the length that you should have with your set-up.

Keep the lifters in order so they go back where they were if you pull them.
Thanks for your input. The engine was
assembled by the builder. I trust that the
correct length pushrods were used as he
warranted the engine. (It has since expired)
I'll keep track of lifter locations.
 
You can check to see if there is a difference in length with those two pushrods by putting them together with the ends onto a flat surface.
 
Or roll them on a piece of glass.
Rolled them on a glass patio table. All
but 4 were bent to some degree. Of the
4 straight ones (2) are welded ball end,
and (2) are the ground ends. All 4 appear
to be the same length.
 
There are a few most likely causes of multiple bent prods:
- insufficient clearance between retainer & guide
- springs going into coil bind
- springs too soft, allowing lifter pump up
- cam used with more lift & above not checked
 
There are a few most likely causes of multiple bent prods:
- insufficient clearance between retainer & guide
- springs going into coil bind
- springs too soft, allowing lifter pump up
- cam used with more lift & above not checked
Thanks, Geoff 2,
Since the cam has a .480 lift I don't believe
coil bind is a problem, but I'll check. It may
be the springs are too soft. I'm not real
sure what they're rated for, but I remember
they're not anything that is too crazy stiff.
(110 lbs ?). They're TRW springs and lifters.
I'm going to pull the lifters and verify none
are collapsed.
I'm suspicious of the two different types
of pushrods. (both old and new). They may
have been bent slightly when the engine was
was assembled.
 
How where the rocker shafts installed ?

Holes up or down ?

Correct is oil holes down and the 15 degree offset on those holes towards the springs/valves
 
They are likely different due to stem heights. Lay a straight edge on them
What I meant was, put a straight edge on the valve stems. They may have used different size pushrods to make up for differences in height.
 
How where the rocker shafts installed ?

Holes up or down ?

Correct is oil holes down and the 15 degree offset on those holes towards the springs/valves
They were installed correctly.
 
It’s pretty easy to end up stacking some tolerances(thicker than stock head gaskets, cam with smaller base circle, etc) and ending up with inadequate lifter preload, which could be the source of the noise.
 
The tip off is bent p'rods. Not one, multiple. Not many things can cause that.
My TRW catalog which is old, lists two springs for the 440 VS910 & 967. The 910 is the softer one, has 7.5 coils v 6.4 coils. If you have the lighter springs & the lifters pumped up, you could get coil bind...& bent prods.
 
Less than 50...it has been sitting for awhile.
It has just run thru break in.

I would still contact the engine builder - any builder worth his salt would still warrant his work if the engine hasn't been run much. Maybe not against perishables, but the fundamental mechanics of what he put together for you.
 
Just pulled the intake. There are no rounded
lobes that I could see. Cranked her all the way around and all look identical. Haven't checked
any lifters yet.....it's dinner time! (Baby back
ribs and a home made tater salad).
20220331_170517.jpg
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20220331_170331.jpg
 
I would still contact the engine builder - any builder worth his salt would still warrant his work if the engine hasn't been run much. Maybe not against perishables, but the fundamental mechanics of what he put together for you.
Sadly, the builder is no longer with us,
and his shop has been taken over by
a new owner.
 
I used aftermarket rocker assemblies that hit the baffles welded to the inside of the stock valve covers. Sounded like valve train noise until we realized what was happening. Also don't skimp on those aftermarket rocker assemblies. Buy the best. I learned the hard way.
 
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