So the noise is a rythmic ticking sound that changes with engine rpm. Cold engine start noise is not there and engine runs well, runs for a minute or more and then starts and will get louder. If any of you have ever heard a lifter tick it is the most common sound to this. History on the engine is it was a well running and noise free in my 1990 GT with a Holley 650 on top. Block is .030 over, Patriot Alum heads, F303 cam, FMS roller lifters, CompCams pushrods, Harland Sharp roller rockers, stock bottom end with new bearings. This was the setup for over 2 years and 5,000 miles.. after 4 rebuilds and no issues at all... Dynoed 320hp/tq to the ground, ran very well. Pulled engine out of car August 2010 running and no noise at all. Put on an engine stand, new head gaskets, and added a Proform 7 quart pan, and a Ford Racing Cobra fuel injected intake. Then put the engine in a different car, 1991 LX with fuel injection and AC. Started last week, and runs decent before any tune but it was ticking at idle like a lifter had collapsed or a roller rocker was wayyy loose... The roller lifters were fairly new so I called Jegs and they sent a new set under warranty.. Pulled intake off of the car for lifter replacement this past Friday. Inspected everything very closely and found no issues with rockers, pushrods, lifters in car, or any valve springs... Installed new set of lifters, adjusted valves after priming engine and started car up.. 1 minute after running the noise is back...
... Im pulling my hair out because I cant think of another possible source. Oil pressure is good, all valves adjusted to zero lash then 3/4 turn, primmed oil system with oil pump tool and distributor out and valve covers off and oil running all the way through out the top of all 16 rockers prior to valve adjustment. So essentially the noise has been there since it came out of the 1990 GT and got fuel injection on top. The entire drivetrain was swaped from car to car, headers, exhaust, trans etc... I have used a stethascope and cannot isolate to left or right side of engine, seems loudest in center of lower intake and at rear of engine. I was a Ford tech and have owned several of these and worked on dozens... but Im officially stumped..
..... Oh and I also have a vacuum leak no ontop of the noise.. sounds like lower intake gasket which i likely bumped out of place during repair and didnt bother with checking due to level of frustration. ANYONE.. have any intelligent thoughts??? (dont bother asking if I checked for exhaust leaks... this is not one.)
... Im pulling my hair out because I cant think of another possible source. Oil pressure is good, all valves adjusted to zero lash then 3/4 turn, primmed oil system with oil pump tool and distributor out and valve covers off and oil running all the way through out the top of all 16 rockers prior to valve adjustment. So essentially the noise has been there since it came out of the 1990 GT and got fuel injection on top. The entire drivetrain was swaped from car to car, headers, exhaust, trans etc... I have used a stethascope and cannot isolate to left or right side of engine, seems loudest in center of lower intake and at rear of engine. I was a Ford tech and have owned several of these and worked on dozens... but Im officially stumped.. ..... Oh and I also have a vacuum leak no ontop of the noise.. sounds like lower intake gasket which i likely bumped out of place during repair and didnt bother with checking due to level of frustration. ANYONE.. have any intelligent thoughts??? (dont bother asking if I checked for exhaust leaks... this is not one.)
