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Lifter noise

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pace

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I installed new lifters from Moss this past winter. I have had a lifter noise (clicking) ever since. I have readjusted the valves on two occasions to no avail. Could I have a bad lifter? Lifters are so simple, it doesn't seem like you would get a bad one but, I don't know where else to check. It soulds like it is coming from the front cylinder.

Mike
 
How do you tell the difference between lifter noise (cam to lifter?) and rocker arm to valve lash noise? Also, the fuel pump may be making a tapping noise. I am hoping you are hearing the fuel pump.
 
Some tappet (valve lash) noise is normal and some say it's desirable since it proves they're not adjusted too tight which would burn the valves.
Best way I've found to be sure it's the valve gear and not something in the lower end is to use a stethoscope (I use a small hammer touching different areas while the handle end is pressed to my earhole)you can get a pretty good reading that way on exactly where the noise is coming from and what is likely making it.
Check your alternator and water pump this way also, since the noise is from the front end of the engine they may be culprits also.
 
Pace,
If when checking valve lash, you find that it has increased more than a couple of times, the lifters are possibly wearing which will in time destroy the cam. Some replacement lifters are NOT properly hardened. I always check all lifters with a Rockwell Hardness tester. They should measure 55 or better on the Rockwell "C" scale. A machine shop can check them for you. Very cheap insurance since a soft lifter can rapidly destroy a cam lobe. Good lifters should also have a slight spherical contour on the contact face. Old lifters that are worn flat will screw up a new cam in a hurry.

Vette,
The only way to tell is by "directed listening" as mentioned above.
D
 
Please listen to the previous voices of experience. Ten years ago I rebuilt one, broke it in and proceeded to go on a thousand mile trip. One ruined camshaft later found that two had failed completely and three others were on their way. good luck.
Tom Lains
 
Pull the suspect lifter out and examine it is the ironclad way of determining if a lifter is bad. If one lifter is suspect, measure the lift offered by the cam's action on the lifter via dial gauge on the push rod or rocker arm and relate it to specifications or a known good lifter. This latter method only tells you either the lifter is bad or the cam lobe is bad (or both). You will still have to look at the lifter and if it is ok, you have a lobe on the cam that is a problem.
 
When your valve clearances open up rapidly this is a sign of camshaft, tappet or rocker shaft wear.
I think I would define rapidly to mean having to significantly change (tighten) the settings within 3000 miles, others may have a different definition.
 
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