Hey guys, I just got my Edsel's 292 running a few weeks ago. I'm pretty new to the engine rebuild / service scene and I've been told my valves / lifters sound sticky. Can I get your guys' opinions?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hFgpstD2y0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3IvNZ0quwU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psUpSuAZccc

Definately sounds like you need to do a valve adjustment. There should be some precise instructions available by searching the Forum if you need them. Don't forget that number one is on the passenger side. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Thanks. I'll look it up. Is this something that I should completely stop running the car for? Lately I've been taking it out on weekend drives. Occasionally up to 75 MPH. Hope I didn't do any damage.

In most of the videos I have of mine running, the valves sound pretty loud. I think it's just the way the mic pics up the sound. And I can hear the valves when they are adjusted correctly. They may not be absolutely silent when adjusted.
If it actually is that loud, then you do need to check and probably adjust the valves.


Lawrenceville, GA

Question: Theres an auxiliary oiler attached to the valve covers. Should I get rid of that?

Have you done any work to the engine? If not you will need to pull both valve covers, disable the external oil supply and see if oil is flowing out of the rockers and that the return holes are open. Those add on oilers were done because the oil of the 50's was not as good as it is today. Sometimes they were added as a matter of practice by some shops. The feed and return holes would get clogged so they added the oiler. If your not getting oil to both heads without the oiler then you need to keep it until you can do some engine work. Once you run this test if the oil is not flowing I'm sure some others here will pop up with the next steps. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

More than likely there wasn't oil getting up to the rockers because they put that oiler on the car. The only way to find out if they are needed is disconnect the oilers, plug them and run the car. If oil is getting up to the rockers (and going out the overflow tubes) then you don't need them.

And I agree, you need to adjust the valves - you have one or two out of adjustment.




54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

So After I disconnect the oiler, I'm going to remove the valve covers and see if oil is coming up on its own? And I assume if I don't see anything happening, I need to turn the engine off immediately or damage will occur? I have a shop manual for the car, so I'll start reading up on things.

I'd call myself a beginner, but fast learner. I've done all the work myself so far (Brake job / carb rebuild / removed and cleaned distributor etc.) But not too much on the engine. Would you recommend I try the valve adjustment myself?

The rockers can survive a while without oil. At least long enough to check both sides for flow. The passenger head is slower than the drivers side due to oil routing. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

If they are not oiling, Dont worry about shutting down and damaging things right away, they are pretty forgiving and I have heard some people drove there cars just splashing the rockers with oil once every couple weeks. However if they are not oiling means the cam bearing is worn, spun or your oil passage is blocked and you will eventually have to do major investigation and/or surgery to remedy the problem. Just hook your auxilliary oil line back up and enjoy until you can remedy the situation.

55 Vicky & customline

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59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?