Cam lobe and lifters

[Unkle Krusty]

If I get time, I will lift off the intake manifold and have a look at the lifters and cam lobes.
I have an annoying ticking sound. Clacking when starting after sitting, and a slight misfire.
I have gone through the list of possibilities, and keep returning to a noisy lifter.
The cam and lifters and springs and chain, are all new and suggested by Edelbrock.
I also installed two taller rocker covers. The push rods are adjustable, came from Doug.

The inspection. Hydraulic lifters. I assume I can tell if one is bad, because the inner part will not be pushed up to the clip.
The cam. I will be able to see all the lobes. If one is warn, will it be obvious?
If the cam is bad, it can wait until Autumn, as removing it will be a bigger job.
I can also check the oil filter for metal bits. Suggested by Doug
Any advice will be welcome.
77 B200 camper van, 318.

 

[threewood]

Check for any loose rocker. You'll have to turn it over 90 degrees by hand a few times to check them all.

For the lobes, you shouldn't see a wear pattern across the entire lobe, it should be on one side only.

 

[Geoff 2]

You do not need to remove the intake....at this stage!!

Remove ONE valve cover & lay rag down. Put on gloves. Engine idling, put your fingers on each r/arm & listen for a change in noise. Do other side.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

I started with number 1 TDC, and went on to each cylinder. Turning by hand. One push rod was loose, number four and not the one I suspected. I reset that pushrod. They are adjustable. So that lifter is either not pumping up, or the dopey mechanic did not set it correctly. I am the mechanic.
Will report again after running. Other rocker cover is still off. I need to drill a hole in it for the oil filler pipe. 1 7/16 hole if I remember correctly.

 

[gtxrt]

what is your preload ?

 

[Unkle Krusty]

Instructions say 20 to 40 thousands. So I am aiming at 30.

 

[gtxrt]

Instructions say 20 to 40 thousands. So I am aiming at 30.

why does everyone want less preload. the lifter has as much as 200 thousand travel. the factory preload was over 100 thousand. you end up with noisy lifters for one of the problems.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

why does everyone want less preload. the lifter has as much as 200 thousand travel. the factory preload was over 100 thousand. you end up with noisy lifters for one of the problems.

Edelbrock advised me to use the stock pushrods. Or they did not mention it. That is what I used, but had too much noise.
They sell longer pushrods, but I got a set of adjustable rods. I will fire up in a couple of days. Need to drill a hole for the oil filler tube in the left hand rocker, and reinstall. Going to check the compression before firing. And the plugs are too hot. Number 4 NGK.