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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: oldgal on October 24, 2015, 05:17:22 PM

Title: valve train noise
Post by: oldgal on October 24, 2015, 05:17:22 PM
G'day,

My fresh rebuilt 428 has, what sounds to me like, valve train noise but only when hot.  When first started she idles smooth and quiet, around 750 rpm (mild cam).  Once warm she rattles like a banshee mostly on the right bank but a little on the left too.

Yesterday I pulled rocker covers and check valve geometry.  I'm using Edelbrock RPM heads, straight out of the box and stock rockers and push rods. The wear pattern on the valves, both sides, were towards the outside indicating push rods too long. I made an adjustable length push rod but can't get the wear pattern to the centre of the valve, when the adjustable rod gets to around 1/10th" shorter than the existing push rods the rocker looses contact with the valve.

While I was in there I noticed the right side doesn't flow as much oil as the left, they were similar when I checked when the motor was still on the stand. Oil pressure is around 65-70 cold and drops to around 20 @ idle hot.

I'm thinking the "budget lifters" I got from Summit may not be up to the task.... 

What do ypu guys think??

I'll try to take some video today and post a link later if you think it will help.
Title: Re: valve train noise
Post by: Nightmist66 on October 24, 2015, 06:55:23 PM
To move the rocker tip inward you must shorten the rocker stands and possibly pushrods also, depending where the adjuster is.(if using factory adjustables)
Title: Re: valve train noise
Post by: oldgal on October 25, 2015, 05:09:54 AM
Thanks Nightmist,

I did toy with that idea,  I thought I might leave the oil drain plates out and see what if any difference that made.  At least it would give me a gauge on how much material to remove.

Cheers
Phil.
Title: Re: valve train noise
Post by: My427stang on October 25, 2015, 07:54:20 AM
What are you running for a cam?

BTW, just to reiterate, pushrod length doesn't change geometry at all on a fixed pivot height shaft system like an FE.  Additionally, be careful if you change or choose pushrod length for any reason, you could put the adjuster in a position that it won't oil properly
Title: Re: valve train noise
Post by: rockhouse66 on October 26, 2015, 07:24:59 AM
The way I read the original post, he doesn't have adjustable rockers.k

I also note in a different post he mentions that the cam is an XE which could be part of the issue with a little clatter?
Title: Re: valve train noise
Post by: oldgal on October 26, 2015, 01:45:39 PM
The way I read the original post, he doesn't have adjustable rockers.k

I also note in a different post he mentions that the cam is an XE which could be part of the issue with a little clatter?

G'day rockhouse,  you are correct on both counts it's a XE262H, stock rockers and non adjustable push rods.  Thats why I was measuring the rods  :)

Phil.