So I just got my engine rebuilt, and went to start it for the first time. My question is, how long does it take for the lifers to pump up. I have a lot of ticking comming from under the valve covers, and was wondering if it is just still pumping up, or if I did not adjust the valves properly. I have let it idle now for about 4-5 minutes, and the ticket does not seem to be getting any better.

 

should be pumped up by now, do you have an adjustable valvetrain? whats your cam/pushrod/head/rocker arm setup?

 

i had the same problem. after my cam, i started it up and it ticked for 2 damn minutes. i thought my new lifters were bad. i took the lower intake off again! i finally got to the point where i put it all back together and i was hoping that someing would go wrong so i could buy a crate motor. i let it run and run, the LOUD ticking got softer and softer and now it runs like a champ.... HOWEVER, my problem may not be yours. at that point i did not care about it. i was so frusterated i wanted to see my motor seize!!

 

you can try to pop rockers off and shoot a little air down the pushrod. sometimes the kick in the *** unsticks the lifters and lets them pump up. we uave done this while new motors were on the simtest stand, which primes the oil system and rotates the motor at about idle speed. would be best to do while the motor is running so you could see which ones were squirting but it will make a nice mess unless you have extra covers you can hack up to make sheilds

 

I bought the TFS kit. It cam with the valves, and cam. For lifters I used the summit brand.

 

I let it run for about another 10 minutes. Still ticking like it did from the first time I started it. I guess I will try and re-adjust the valves.

From what I read, you tighten the rocker until zero lash, and then turn an additional 1/2 turn. Does that sound correct?

 

Some valvetrains are just noisy too. MyCrane roller rockers make a little bit of noise, not loud, but you can hear it with the hood up. If everything is adjusted right and it still makes a bit of noise it's prolly no big deal. Mechanical things have moving parts, which often make noise

 

if its just one or two, cut your stock valve cover if you have another one to put on there. cut the top out, bolt it down, run the car and tighten the rocker arm untill it stops ticking, thats zero lash, then tighten it like you did the rest of them, 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 turn.

 

yeah 1/2 turn should be fine. everyone says 1/4 to 3/4 so i split the difference

 

Another thing that happens it it does take a little time for the pushrod to "seat" itself in the rocker joint, the rocker arm sockets will form somewhat. You will want to go back after 500-1000 miles and re-check you lash.