alright now i know you guys are probably as tired of seeing posts about "i just installed cams and now my motor ticks".. but i searched for my specific question and couldnt find an answer.

now i just started my engine for the first time yesterday after a complete rebuild. i have JAM big bore lifters and gsc cams. the lifters were bled properly per JAM's instructions and i was told that they will tick for the first few minutes until they pump back up with oil.

now my question for any of you that have experienced this before is how long should that "tick" last? and at what point should i be concerned.

the car has only idled for about 10 minutes, 5 of those at a fast idle to try and build oil pressure in the lifters.

theres plenty of oil in the car, the oil pressure light is OFF.

if anyone could help reassure me or send some advice this way it would be much appreciated.

thanks, steve

 

Same thing happened to me on my rebuild. Just let them pump up for a few cycles to get all the air out and you should be fine.


EDIT: I also have an external oil pressure gauge that told me there was pressure, not just going off a idiot light.

 

If you still have noise after 1/2 hour of running, it probably is not going away.

 

took the valve cover off for an inspection, everything seems to be in good health. started it up today and after 10 seconds the engine was running quieter then when she was bone stock.

thanks for all the help guys.

 

Yes, it can take a several mins of idling before the lifters prime, if you didn't pre-prime them with diesel fuel or oil. You must only idle the engine. High rpms is not recommended until all the lifters have primed(quieted). Once this has happened, rev away.

 

Slowly up to 3K in 15 second cycle then idle for 15 seconds. rinse, repeat

 

yeah i followed JAM's instructions, which were not to pre-prime them....

everything worked out great, they're quiet as a baby now. thanks again fellas