Re: '51 Valve Clatter and Other Mysteries

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2013/9/1 16:01:49

Thank you Tim for your reply.
I went back over the invoice I got from my mechanic and find that the intake and exhaust valves for #8 were replaced along with the guides. The rest were ground, lapped, etc as needed. So I know at least two valves and their lifters need to be adjusted. I had no idea that hydraulic lifters could be adjusted or needed to be. The newest engine I have rebuilt is a '65 Cadillac 429 and the eldest is a 1960 Mopar 413 in my 1960 Imperial. I did know to let the lifters soak over night in oil and return lifters taken from the car to their original bore but that was it. I had always been told "the engine will pump 'em up".

Following Gator's advice he posted in another thread I've have checked all the lifters and found they are free though some didn't want to turn at first.

I'm still concerned that the amount of oil coming (or not) from the "seep holes" on the valve lifter bore casting when the engine is running isn't uniform, although I have no idea if it is supposed to be. It just strikes me that it should. Like I said earlier, three squirt oil out, about eight ooze oil and the rest are dry or somewhat dry. Can anyone clear this up for me?