Ok I have a 97 dodge 1500 5.9L. Just recently I took my truck to my trusted mechanic to have a new motor put in it. He went through Merles to purchase this motor. After he installed it and returned it back to me about a 1k miles later I noticed what seemed to be noisy lifters. So I called him up and took the truck back to him to figure out the issue. What he discovered was a couple valve springs that were weak and a couple pushrods that were just a hair shorter than the rest. He then called up the manufacture for their suggestion. To make a long story short, just for good measures he replaced all the lifters, pushrods, and springs. The noise is still present but much quieter. The noise does not start until the motor is at normal operating temperature. Runs great, smooth idle, good oil pressure. Nothing out of the ordinary just the chattering from the vale train after it warms up. The motor came with the new oil pump and pick up tube. I use Valvoline oil and wix oil filter. Any help would be great.

 

I would pull the valve covers and take a look inside and see if anything seems off

 

My mechanic said that after he replaced all the parts he ran it with the valve covers off to make sure it everything was operating correctly and make sure oil was pumping. Everything checked out.

 

What oil are you running?

 

Valvoline 20-50 conventional

 

Why such a heavy oil?

If you are in a winter climate, switch to 10w30 conventional oil. See if that doesn't quiet it down. Otherwise, 10w40.

 

I live in a warmer climate and we were using 10-40 but the 20-50 quieted it down

 

what psi are you getting cold and warmed up

 

Around 44-42psi cold, and 40psi hot

 

Go with the 10w40..... thicker oil is just masking some other problem, and you want to get it dealt with while still under warranty.

Check with the manufacturer, and see what cam they used in the rebuild. If it is a regrind, it will have a smaller base circle, and therefore, require longer pushrods.

Another alternative would be adjustable rockers. (and could potentially be a nice little upgrade as well.) Harland Sharp makes some nice 1.7 ratio adjustable rollers for a reasonable price. (as these things go.....) The slight bump in ratio would give you a bit more power/torque as well. (stock is 1.6)