1984 D150 318 rocker / lifter noise fix?

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Dead Reckon

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318 LA
So, I'm pretty sure I have a lifter that's sticking when the truck is cold, the inside of this engine looks like the creature from the black lagoon backed up and took a big deuce in it. I have a video of the noise, it's coming from the front two rockers when the engine is cold, but goes away once the engine is up to temp, usually. The rockers didn't seem to have excessive play when I did the valve cover gaskets, but I'm not sure to be honest.

I really don't want to have to put a cam and lifters in this engine, but I'm worried that may be what it takes. I mean the extra power would be great, but at that point I might as well source a 4bbl intake and go for a Holley 650 (I like Holley carbs, can't change my mind on that one :D ). That, plus the fact that I've never done a cam and lifter swap really worries me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl2pP0Hlx0A

All in all, the truck has been pretty good to me since I got it on the road back in August. Had to replace the fuel pump, alternator, voltage regulator, and battery 'cause the replacement voltage regulator cooked the (N)Everstart battery battery. Had to do a few other things, but nothing too major. It's on the second oil change since I got it, running Shell Rotella 15w40 oil. The lifter noise is way, way worse on thinner oil, sounds like a giant sewing machine.
 

crazzywolfie

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i would say run it for a bit like that and see what happens. it might just be a sticking lifter. my 81 use to do the same thing. once the 15w40 start cleaning things up i bet it will never make that noise again.
 
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Dead Reckon

Dead Reckon

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Yeah, that's what I've been hoping would happen, I'm just trying to limp the engine along until I find a reasonable replacement for it. I want to swap in a 360, nothing fancy, not even going for headers, just pre-SMOG manifolds and a stock or used aftermarket intake (I'm cheap).

Nice driveway by the way, our two D150's really irk our Ford owning neighbor, if I can score a 198x D150 from the junkyard, he'll hate us even more. :D
 

Johnnymac2k6

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Change the oil with 4 quarts of lucas, and displace one quart with lucas oil stabilizer.

it'll probably stop before you make it to the road from your garage.
 

crazzywolfie

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Yeah, that's what I've been hoping would happen, I'm just trying to limp the engine along until I find a reasonable replacement for it. I want to swap in a 360, nothing fancy, not even going for headers, just pre-SMOG manifolds and a stock or used aftermarket intake (I'm cheap).

Nice driveway by the way, our two D150's really irk our Ford owning neighbor, if I can score a 198x D150 from the junkyard, he'll hate us even more. :D
there is likely not really anything majorly wrong with it. i bet after a couple tanks of gas the lifter will quiet down. now if you are looking for a 360 you should look for a 93-02 360. you will need to get a carbed intake if you want to go carbed and will need the power steering pump and alternator off the 93-02 360 to complete the serpentine setup but otherwise is should bolt to your transmission. just need a balanced flex plate. the only reason i suggest the newer engine is they got better design heads that help give the engine more power. only thing that sucks is stock heads for those engines are know to be weak and prone to cracking.

thanks. i got pretty good neighbors so i don't have to worry too much. my driveways has been fuller at some points. i am thinking about getting rid of my storage unit so i can possibly bring home 1 more ramcharger and maybe another truck. we will see.
 
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Dead Reckon

Dead Reckon

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Change the oil with 4 quarts of lucas, and displace one quart with lucas oil stabilizer.

it'll probably stop before you make it to the road from your garage.

Never tried Lucas oil, though their steering fluid works miracles for GM's "Cat for a belt" sounding power steering pumps. Never had a garage to work in either, hey, maybe one day I'll be able to trade in the worn out lawn furniture cushion for a creeper on concrete. :D

there is likely not really anything majorly wrong with it. i bet after a couple tanks of gas the lifter will quiet down. now if you are looking for a 360 you should look for a 93-02 360. you will need to get a carbed intake if you want to go carbed and will need the power steering pump and alternator off the 93-02 360 to complete the serpentine setup but otherwise is should bolt to your transmission. just need a balanced flex plate. the only reason i suggest the newer engine is they got better design heads that help give the engine more power. only thing that sucks is stock heads for those engines are know to be weak and prone to cracking.

thanks. i got pretty good neighbors so i don't have to worry too much. my driveways has been fuller at some points. i am thinking about getting rid of my storage unit so i can possibly bring home 1 more ramcharger and maybe another truck. we will see.

I've considered a 360 magnum, but aside from needing an electric fuel pump to run one, I'd also need to source brackets for the accessories. As it stands, I am a fairly frugal person. With a LA 360, I can reuse my brackets, alternator, (not steering pump, it needs to be replaced, likes to lock up near full lock), timing cover, thermostat housing, and a few other bits, I'd have to find a four barrel intake, plus get new valve covers, and water pump though. My valve covers are too crusty and warped to bother cleaning when I can get a cheap set of tall Milodon's for $45, don't need the tall ones, but they're $10 more than the shorties. Probably reuse the oil pan since it's the truck 6qt pan, and no one makes one like it for cheap. Quick coat of paint and it's good as new.
 

crazzywolfie

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just buy a complete used 360 magnum with alternator/power steering pump and all. you would just need a carbed intake and fuel pump for it but that is really not too bad of an investment for the power increase you would see over a 360 LA engine. you would need nothing from your old engine other than possibly the distributor and some of the sensors.
 

Johnnymac2k6

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Had that exact same lifter collapse noise in a 3.9 Dakota. Poured in the Lucas, and it didnt run for 15 seconds before the noise stopped completely. Should fix ya up before you tackle an engine swap....and also allow u to show someone it "runs fine" that might want to swing you a few hundred for the 318?
 

Sniper X

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I'd do the oil change with light oil, and add some slick 50 and some seafoam or other high detergent additive.
 

Sniper X

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My 318 use to clack when cold after sitting for a week and I did what I suggested and it hasn't down it for years....
 

crazzywolfie

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I'd do the oil change with light oil, and add some slick 50 and some seafoam or other high detergent additive.
shouldn't need to add any detergents with the oil he currently has in it. diesel 15w40 has its own cleaning detergents in it. maybe not quite as high as some of the other additives but it will get the job done eventually and not really cost you much extra. i have been running the stuff in my 81 for a while and my 81 has a solid 170-180psi compression dry accross all cylinders and runs like a sewing machine. always starts perfect.
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here is what it use to sound like
[yt]D0aPDvcsl4E[/yt]
 
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