Ranger24

I have a 72 with a 454 that has that clacking noise coming from the passenger side V cover. I adjusted the lash in all of the valves today following the process on the Century Performance site. Initially I thought I had solved the issue upon starting the motor (nice and quite) but as things ran for a min or 2 that clacky noise started to come back.

Is this an indication of a failing lifter? Should go through the process again on that side?

BKbroiler

It could also be the rocker arm stud pulling up. Put a ruler across all the studs. they should all be the same height.

gcusmano74

Typical failure mode for a Chevy V8 is to wear out the cam; the rest of the engine can go on damn near forever.

7T1vette

The stud could be getting loose...or the nut could be getting worn out. Those rocker stud nuts have deformed threads so that they stay locked in place after adjustment. The more they have been adjusted, the less tight they are. Eventually, they won't hold place anymore.

If that's your problem, you can buy new rocker stud nuts from Chevy or you can replace each [stock] nut with two 'jamb' nuts. Use the first to set the lifter, then [while holding the first in place] tighten the second one on top of the first. They won't move.

Ranger24

Ok, thanks for the responses everyone. I'll check the studs to see if any of them are walking out then replace the nuts on that side and adjust the lash.

If those two steps don't solve the issue I suspect we'll need to pull the lid and take a look at the cam and lifters?