Thread: You Guy's were right!

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Well I went to the garage to investigate why I suddenly had no oil pressure in my brand new engine and as a couple of people suggested I removed the valve covers, And what do I see? No.1 clylinder with one popped lifter and both rods off. One rod was really BENT and the other was just a little warped. Like I stated, Only one lifter had plpped out and the other one is laying right next to the bore. I could even with a magnet get it back in with no problem. I have decided to leave it alone to first come here to see what to do.Anyway I am here to ask of you great and knowlegable guy's. What caused this and what should I do to correct this?

valves hit the piston?

This could be the result of several problems so let's start with the easy ones. How much cam lift and what type of rocker arms?

If the rockers are stock type are they binding on the rocker stud before full lift? If so they wi;ll have marked the edge of the stud. Do you have enough piston to valve clearance?

Is the valve spring ibstalled height enough for the cam you have?
Check a valve at full lift and see if you can slip a .060 feeler gauge between the spring coils. Or you could try pushing down on the valve at full lift, it should be able to go at least another .050.

These three things will give you a start.

The cam is a performer cam and the rockers and springs are stock but new.

The 385 engines came with either stud rockers(early heads) or sled fulcrums..Which one are you using??

You need to check all the clearances. No coil spring bind, no rocker arm bind, adequate valve-to-piston clearance.

Checked everything this afternoon and it all seemed fine. I managed to get the lifter back in its bore, Replaced the bent rods and fired it up and Wham! it seemed fine again. I can't explain but for maybe the two rockers could have come loose. The oil pressure is back and it sounds really good now. The Lord is awsome! And so are all of you here. Thanks to all who chimed in and helped.I will keep you guy's posted..............Rich

Keep an eye on it. Engines generally don't fix themselves. Something caused those bent rods.

Seen it a dozen times on new 460 startups and I'll bet your engine is fine (assuming no residual damage from the initial setback). Do plug and timing readings, fatten up the fuel mixture and run it.

Paul