joeyt11

hello,
question-i was trying to freshen up a 1964 ford 390 in my galaxie-the old heads were shot so i was putting on a new rebuilt set off a 1968 ford 390-while i had it apart i put in new lifters and pushrods thinking it was a good idea.Now i have a noisy lifter-some people tell me NEVER CHANGE THE LIFTERS WITHOUT CHANGING THE CAM-now they tell when the motor is back in and running!Is this true and if so am i doing damage by driving it this way or will they wear in after awhile?I know a new cam and lifters is probally the best fix but sadley i am out of motor money for now.Any suggestions are appreciated-thanks,joe

kdtrucker

Sometimes it wears in and sometimes it don't. A new cam with new lifters is always best, but there must have been a reason why you felt you had to change the lifters....pulling the cam and measuring the lobes would have told you alot more about why you have a noisy lifter. Preloading the lifters with oil is always a good rule of thumb or any kind of engine work. Before you run the engine any longer and make a wear pattern on the lifters from the old cam I would pull the lifters and replace the cam with a new one.

f.e. man

i'd also check your pedestal hight on your rocker shafts, there are different heights. you can also search for a set of adjustable rockers, to adjust the clatter out. some engines came with them.