BB Lifter Installation
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
BB Lifter Installation
I need some advice on lifter installation. I have several that clack until really warm. Adjustments don't do it. Questions - Do I soak the new lifters in oil and pump them to fill, or install with lube only? On writeup says one thing and another says the other. Many Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Concord Cal
Re: BB Lifter Installation (bigvette1)
The last street BB I put together did that also. What was happening was there was air getting trapped in the lifter galleys. I drilled a .040 hole in each of the front lifter galley plugs behind the timing gear. The problem went away and the extra oil on the timing chain can't hurt. There was no loss in oil pressure or any other problems.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Pampa Tx
Re: BB Lifter Installation (oger)
Typically, I will put the new lifters in a clean old butter container
put the lifters standing upright in it
pour oil in the tub until all the lifters are covered
take a push rod and pump the lifter to get most of the air out of the lifter
This helps prime the lifter so that it won't gauld when starting a fresh engine. Also, ditto on the oil galley plugs, but I use a much smaller bit. You can also go the the Chevy house and buy the right size plugs that are pre-drilled. I think Chevy started using these plugs in about 76 to eliminate the oil from boiling and collapsing the lifters. The early 396's and 454's were bad about having the front 4 lifters rattling when hot. Hope this helps.
Phlash 72 BB Roadster :yesnod:
put the lifters standing upright in it
pour oil in the tub until all the lifters are covered
take a push rod and pump the lifter to get most of the air out of the lifter
This helps prime the lifter so that it won't gauld when starting a fresh engine. Also, ditto on the oil galley plugs, but I use a much smaller bit. You can also go the the Chevy house and buy the right size plugs that are pre-drilled. I think Chevy started using these plugs in about 76 to eliminate the oil from boiling and collapsing the lifters. The early 396's and 454's were bad about having the front 4 lifters rattling when hot. Hope this helps.
Phlash 72 BB Roadster :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: BB Lifter Installation (Phlash)
Just the info I needed. I think the idea of priming a new "dry" lifter makes god sense. The oil galley plugs hit the mark. It is the front ones that are clacking when hot. Many thanks. ;) [IMG][/IMG]
