359 Noisy Lifters

Posted by Eric Voigt On 2023/7/2 8:10:13

We rebuilt this engine, camshaft reground and tappets were surfaced as well - we were provided with what appeared to be NOS plunger assemblies (no part number) to be used for the build.

After priming the engine we got 30 psi with a drill fixture. We then finished the assembly on our run stand and fired up, at this point we noticed the lifters to be EXTREMELY noisy so we shut it down and began investigating and found a plug in the front lifter galley wasn't installed correctly so we corrected that by taping a pipe plug into it. Pressurized the system directly to valley and saw oil coming out of the bleed holes and buttoned it up.

Ran it yesterday and after initial startup they were quiet however as the engine ran and warmed up they continued to get noisy again.

I know the 50-54 uses a different part number than the 40-48 so what's difference? Is it possible the 40-48 are different just enough to allow excessive bleed and that's what we installed? I have the original plungers soaking now. Oil is 20/50 Classic Lucas with zinc as well. The engine runs great and really smooth.

Any thoughts?
Eric