Noisy valves

I rebuilt my engine top to bottom, tore my valve train totally down, inspected, cleaned, etc., wouldn't you know...still makes the same noise. I've run the engine with the valve cover off, didn't make a big mess. Not a lot of oil there, just enough to keep everything wet.

If you are really worried about it, or it is worse than it used to be, it is an easy job to pull the whole rocker assembly, take it apart, clean/inspect, put it back on, and re-check your tappet clearance. I agree with 'ol Mr. Chapp about making sure your valve stems & valve stem caps(if you have them) are good and square, but I would be too scared to tighten down those valve clearances for fear of losing compression or burning a valve. If the stems and rockers look good, I'd say set the factory cold gap and enjoy the sound of a vintage Ferguson clacking down the road.

Did not see much oil in rocker train. I have heard that sometimes the plug on the end of the rocker support tube fractures and the oil runs out the end rather that lubing the rockers, but mine didn"t have that problem.

Mark

Since the rocker assy doesn"t do any work to speak of, I don"t think I"d worry too much about it. As long as there is an oil film on the rocker support.

If you have a manual they show how the oil is distributed. As I recall, the rocker gets oiled from the cam bearings. The crank and cam inputs are in parallel. So if you are that concerned, you might pull your cam and bearings and have them replaced, or mic"d or whatever. Course a worn out pump, or slop in the main/rod bearings, or low viscosity oil causing low oil pressure could cause a problem also.

I think it is a gut (your gut) feel thing. You need to pursue till you feel right about it. No telling how long the engine has been running that way, and if there is no galling or overheat discoloration, or other sign of oil diprivation then maybe you will feel more comfortable with what you see.

Good Luck,

Mark