Hello All,

This is a continuation from my previous post "1 bad lifter replace all?". Yesterday I replaced the lifters, followed instructions, started truck and it sounds like a diesel.

Sounds like loose rockers. My question is about the method Dodge specifies to torque the rockers. It says to set the V8 mark on the balancer must be set on the TDC mark on the timing gauge, and to then tighten rockers.

I did this, but noticed that not all lifters were on base circle of cam. Would I be better off rotatng crank and tightening rockers when they are on base circle of cam? Would this lead to loose rockers?

I did the Dodge method twice, once on install, and once after running and hearing noise (pulled valve covers again).

Overall, the job went pretty well, followed FSM instructions and tips from DF memebers on my previous thread. I did an oil change, soaked new lifters in oil prior to install. Truck fired right up, and then sounded terrible.

Any other causes for loose rockers on a lifter swap? The new lifters looked the same as the ones I took out.

Any reason the new ones wouldn't pump up? Should I run them with the rocker nuts backed off to try to let them pump themselves up?

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Chris

 

the DIY Harland Sharp write up should help you. its in the FAQ section. it explains in detail what you need to do. it should be the same with stock rockers.

 

Thanks sk8erdude, checked it out. He seems to suggest the method for tightening rockers that I asked about in my post (tightening rockers at each cylinder's TDC), and not the Dodge FSM Method.

Also I reviewed the FSM and it says the V8 mark on the balancer (the so-called neutral position) should be 147º ATDC. The mark on my balancer was 30º ATDC at the most. Has anyone else found this on their balancers?

Sounds like I should rotate the crank and tighten each cylinder's rockers at that cylinder's TDC.

Any other ideas/tips that would cause loose rockers?

Thanks,
Chris

 

How long did you run it for? It takes a little while for lifters to pump up. Also, double check your oil level.

The stock rocker arms are non adjustable, and shouldn't need to be on the base circle to set appropriate preload.

 

Ran for 2 minutes initially. Then another 2 after re-adjust. Second time, revved to 1200 rpm (but not higher).

Oil level is 1/2 - 3/4 way between min and max (5 qts, normal size filter).

Really sounds like rocker clatter. When I pulled the valve covers after the initial run, there was oil on top of all of the rockers. So I think they are all pumping?

Any chance a lifter yoke could have popped loose or something? Yoke retainer seemed to go in nicely. I checked to make sure everything was seated nicely a number of times before final button up.

I also double checked to make sure I had all the lifter oiler holes facing in towards engine (away from crank) as the original ones were installed.

Also, I torqued rocker arms to 200 in lbs, based on my Haynes Manual. Just realized FSM calls for 250 in lbs (21 ft lbs), any chance this could cause loose rocker?

I didn't leakdown test the new lifters. What are the chances I got a new set of bad lifters?

I really don't want to pull the intake again, my back is killing!

Thanks,
Chris

 

I don't think 1200 rpms is enough to throw oil around the necessary amount to get into the lifter holes.

We're kind of in dark territory here, its very hard to dianose a sound over the internet,

 

I don't think 1200 rpms is enough to throw oil around the necessary amount to get into the lifter holes.

We're kind of in dark territory here, its very hard to diagnose a sound over the internet, but if you torques everything to spec, doubt its anything other than lifter noise. The stock valve train does not have any adjustability or play to it.

I do remember being scared ****less when I fired it up after replacing all the lifters in my engine back in January. I thought for sure I had screwed the pooch. It was loud, and sounded like hell was gonna break loose. But the noise went away after I revved the engine and held it there, just scared me to do it.

I don't want you to break your truck, so be mindful, but I'm fairly sure its just flat lifters. If you have a mechanic buddy, perhaps he could listen to it while you fire it over.

 

Thanks for the help Aim,

The FSM said to not rev past fast idle (1000 rpm) until valve train noise had quieted down.

I remember you said to rev it to 2000 rpm in my other thread. I was a little hesitant to do this based on the FSM. Have you done this personally with good results?

How long should it take for valve train noise to dissappear at this engine speed?

Do you think I should rev it up, or try to re-adjust the rockers again, or both?

What is the worst cast scenario if I do rev it? Bent push rod, or flattened cam lobe?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Forgot to mention, before I put the intake back on I turned the engine by hand through 720º, and everything seemed happy. Valve train moved nice, and felt like lots of compression.

Also, when I do idle, it has good oil pressure.

 

You will not flatten a cam lobe with roller lifters.

If the FSM says 1000 RPMs and you have good oil pressure at idle, stick with it. I'd try 2 more 2 minute runs and see if it calms down. When I did mine, it was LOUD, LOUD, LOUD, then in like 5 seconds, they all just quieted down, it wasn't gradual by any means.

The worst I could forsee happening at low RPM is a bent rod.

I did rev my engine, and it worked, but it was mine to break, I'd hate to tell you "give her hell" and she breaks on you.