Hey all, I've got a bit of an unusual situation occuring. 96" motor with stock cams and pushrods. I have what sounds like a lifter bleed down issue on start up, but here are the two strange parts about it, 1) I put brand new S&S lifters in and it still does it; 2) Sometimes it's starts fine and only develops the bleed down ticking after it runs for a couple of seconds. The ticking will usually last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute. Oil pressure light is on the whole time and when it goes off the noise stops. I figure it is likely an oil pressure issue, but I'm not sure what would cause it. Once it is running, my pressure is fine. Do you guys think it could be the pump? Or the relief valve in the cam plate maybe?

I don't think it's related, but I am also burning a fair amount of oil these days. I am doing a full top end rebuild in the next week or so anyways, but wanted to get your feedback on what you think might be the issue.

 

It does sound like an oil pressure problem. Probably a relief valve issue. But if I was doing a top end rebuild, I would pull the oil pump and cams Inspect them. Cam bearings and tensioners should be serviced anyway. Not that much extra work.

 

Absolutely. i'm going new cams too, so yeah, I will inspect the pump and the plate thoroughly before putting it back on. Thanks.

 

Could be the relief valve but could also be excessive crank runout is eating up the pump. Check runout while you are in there. You can remove the relief valve an make sure it's not sticking.

 

Thanks Max. I'm hoping I don't have to get into the lower end, but I suppose I should verify it while I am in there.