Re: Broke down.

Posted by Dave Harrison On 2008/9/20 3:37:56

I have a 55 400 and have experienced much the same problem. There would usually but not always be lifter rattle on starting which would go away as the car warmed up and was revved a little. This would also sometimes come back at idle. Last time I started the car i got the same rattle which suddenly began to sound like something more serious. I shut the engine off and am now wary about starting it again.
Reading about the shortcomings with the standard oil pump I figured this may be oil starvation and I am getting a Melling conversion kit from Craig which I will fit and try again with fresh oil when I get time.
While the oil pan is off I intend to look at the bearings but I don't really have enough experience to know what I am looking for. I also intend to remove the valve covers and see if anything is amiss there.
Any advice would be appreciated.