Noisy lifter (possibly)

[Thorvald]

Hi, everyone
I have a 360 with what sounds like a ticking noise coming from the #1 cylinder location (at least that's the best I can tell since I haven't tore into it yet to investigate any further). Let's assume a lifter is collapsed; the easiest/short-term fix would be to put in a longer pushrod, correct? I would then essentially have a solid lifter, but the noise should subside with the longer pushrod (assuming they make ones long enough to make up the difference). Maybe I'm way off target here. Anyway, the proper/more time consuming but long-term fix would be to drop in a new lifter, right? I've also thought of running some ATF or MMO to clean out any potential sludge, but until I tear into things more thoroughly to see what I'm up against I"ll probably hold off on that for now (I just changed the oil less than 400 miles ago and things didn't look too bad sludge-wise). Thanks for any input!

[1972hiboy]

I am about to embark on the same scenario as your self. 360 and definite valve train noise. PO installed a new long block and claimed 5k later a lifter went out causing the audible tick. I have found with other FE's its just as likely something happened to a rocker arm/shaft or bent a push rod. but whatever is found to be the problem should be repaired right. If you find a defective lifter replace the lifter. I wouldn't just add a longer pushrod. These lifters have springs in them for mechanical tension as well as being designed for hydraulic tension. So if you find one collapsed when its static, then the spring its broken or the lifter is severely damaged and would probably shoot metal pieces into your engine.

[Jacksdad]

I second that. Fitting a longer pushrod would not be the way I'd go either. If it is a lifter going bad, I'd bite the bullet and replace it.

[colnago]

1972hiboy,

If he replaces the lifter, does he have to go through any special break-in process?

Joseph

[1972hiboy]

1972hiboy,

If he replaces the lifter, does he have to go through any special break-in process?

Joseph

in a perfect world new lifters should only be put on a new camshaft then proper break in procedures should be followed. in the real world? If it were me i would throw a new lifter at it coated in break in lube and run it up like I was breaking in a cam just to be safe. but I have heard of people just putting lifters on a old cam and not doing anything. but im sure opinions on this topic are pretty wide.

[Thorvald]

I'm not too keen on the longer pushrod idea, so I'll most likely end up dropping a new lifter in her and calling it good for the time being (until I can get around to rebuilding her; who knows when that'll happen). I might as well put on a new intake since I'll be pulling the old one off to replace the lifter(s). One thing leads to another...

[1972hiboy]

[quote="Thorvald"]I'm not too keen on the longer pushrod idea, so I'll most likely end up dropping a new lifter in her and calling it good for the time being (until I can get around to rebuilding her; who knows when that'll happen). I might as well put on a new intake since I'll be pulling the old one off to replace the lifter(s). One thing leads to another...[/quote

You dont have to replace the intake. If your looking at a rebuild down the road save it for then. the originals are heavy, If you have a engine crane id recommend using that to pull the intake and setting it back down. Just fix what you got and get back on the road.

[Thorvald]

I figured I'd replace the intake with a better one since I would need to remove it to swap out the lifter. I've been kicking around the idea anyway of putting on an Edelbrock or something.

[cep62]

I figured I'd replace the intake with a better one since I would need to remove it to swap out the lifter. I've been kicking around the idea anyway of putting on an Edelbrock or something.

I remember my Dad replacing a lifter on an FE without removing the intake .

With patience ,luck and a magnet you can swap them.
Now I don't recall if you can get to all of them , but it could be worth a try .
At one time you could buy a lifter puller to get it out of the hole.

Badly worn lifters will give you a problem because the bottom can distort and won't slide up out of the bore.

To narrow down which cylinder it is, you can short out (create a miss) one at a time to pinpoint the click.

Also FEs have a habit of exhaust manifold leaks that make a ticking , which is another can O' worms.

[colnago]

Also FEs have a habit of exhaust manifold leaks that make a ticking , which is another can O' worms.

Yes, they do. I have an exhaust leak, and the ticking is driving me nuts!

Joseph

[Thorvald]

I have a lifter puller and a magnet, so I'll try my luck with those things first before pulling the intake. There's also plenty of exhaust leaks (big surprise), but I definitely have more diagnostics to do. Time to break out the stethoscope. Haha