Noisy rockers


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By idaho211 - Last Week
I have a rebuilt 312 with 1500 miles on it. Noticing right side rockers near firewall more noisy. I have not pulled the valve cover to check for oiling issues. Lash was reset after 100 miles from being rebuilt. Engine builder thinks he needs to reset the lash again. Is this normal or is there another problem why I am getting rocker noise?
By 55blacktie - Last Week
Yes, it's normal to check, adjust lash after break-in. Why didn't you pull the valve cover?
By idaho211 - Last Week
Had some life things get in the way and started up after 5 months.
By Ted - Last Week
Some tappet noise is normal for solid lifter engines.  Only by removing the valve covers and doing a preliminary visual and then a valve lash check will you get an idea of what’s wrong if anything.  Potential things that can be taking place to make excessive noise are:
  1. Incorrect initial valve clearance adjustment
  2. Rocker arm adjuster(s) simply backing off
  3. Rocker arm stand bolts are loose
  4. Incorrect pushrods with a smaller than stock ‘cup’ that are trying to ‘wear’ in.
  5. Lack of oil causing premature wear at the pushrods, rockers, and rocker shafts.
  6. Cam lobes or tappet faces going away

Engines that sit for extended periods of time are prone to sticking valves due to old fuel.  It’s not unusual for sticking valves to allow the pushrods to jump out of place.  Fuel that is ½ year old or older is going to be highly suspect and especially if the vehicle is being stored in a non-climate controlled area.
By 55blacktie - Last Week
If you didn't pull the valve cover, I assume you didn't pull the distributor to rotate the oil pump to get the oil flowing. After sitting for 5 months, how long did you have to crank the engine before it started? Do you have an oil-pressure gauge or just a light?
By idaho211 - 8 days ago


Ted, thanks for the info. I will get some fresh fuel in this weekend and check with covers off.

It started after 10 seconds. Just have idiot oil pressure light.

I use non ethanol fuel. Will it degrade slower than ethanol fuel? Just curious.
By idaho211 - 8 days ago
Thank you also 55blacktie
By KULTULZ - 8 days ago
"Just have idiot oil pressure light."

You need to verify oil pressure. 

"I use non ethanol fuel. Will it degrade slower than ethanol fuel? Just curious."

It will not degrade as quickly, but will overtime. If it smells like varnish ... 

Today's gasoline (even E0) is not the same product as was available in the fifties and sixties.   

Were the rocker assemblies rebuilt?       
By idaho211 - Last Week
Yes rocker assemblies were rebuilt.
By KULTULZ - Last Week
The rebuild depends on the quality of parts, machining and assembly - 

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic167745.aspx
By idaho211 - Last Week
Rocker arms unlimited. Did run into a problem initially. The adjuster screws were defective. Kept backing off so changed to NOS jam nuts which did fix the problem.
By KULTULZ - Last Week
JUST FYI 

O/S ADJUSTERS are available. I would prefer the locking nut style on a HP engine myself personally.

http://yblockguy.com/techtips/rocker_arm_assy.htm
By BamaBob - Last Week
Kultulz, Where are new rocker arm adjusters available from? I have been looking for new ones without any success. Either style would be OK, however I would prefer the lock nut style if I could get them. Thanks for any information!
By 55blacktie - Last Week
John Mummert, ford-y-block.com. He doesn't have online ordering; you'll have to call. The best time to call is between 3:45 and 5, PST. 
By DANIEL TINDER - Last Week
I have friction screws AND locknuts (belt & suspenders). Also, the hex screws are then easier to adjust more precisely when using a P&G gapper tool (unless you have 3 hands 😁).
By KULTULZ - 4 days ago
See if this link works - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7ZjObWyRJU

It shows a correct rebuild.

Also - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRaiMciNbDA
By KULTULZ - Yesterday
THIS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pst0mEdD018&themeRefresh=1

... will help explain the system.

https://www.youtube.com/@mummertsspecialvinterests2721/playlists


By DANIEL TINDER - Yesterday
KULTULZ (7/17/2025)
THIS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pst0mEdD018&themeRefresh=1

... will help explain the system.

https://www.youtube.com/@mummertsspecialvinterests2721/playlists

Interesting.  Didn’t like what he said about the “import imposter/bad metallurgy” aftermarket adjusters (same style as I bought on eBay 20 yrs. ago).  Guess I should check for excessive ball wear, even though they still hold adjusted clearance well.  Too bad he didn’t elaborate re: history.


By KULTULZ - 14 hours ago
Did anyone find out if JOHN MUMMERT offers the O/S adj. screws?

C2AZ 6549-A - .0023 O/S

Several years ago, FORD TRACTOR was offering them.