Hi all, have an issue with my rebuilt 355 that has has been there from the initial start up and now has a 1000 miles on it and is still the same, ie from a cold start it takes 1 to 2 mins for the lifters to stop clacking, then they are good for subsequent warm start ups. there is still some tappet noise but I put this down to my full roller vortec rockers.
As I had to lift a head yesterday to sort a blown head gasket between 3 and 5 I decided to a little visual test.
Removed both rocker covers and put cardboard at the edges to stop oil getting on the headers.
Started engine (cold) and waited, sure enough no oil being delivered to rockers (oil press cold 60psi hot35 at idle, HV pump new) until the 1and a half minute mark and then hey presto oil at the rockers and right at that juncture the engine started to run smoother, not sure if that is lifter pump up related or my O2 sensor getting warm enough and changing the fuel ratio. Both banks getting oil at approx same time. Flow is normal.Lifter clearance set to 0 then 1/2 to 3/4 turn on polylok
My question is- is this amount of time oil getting to the rockers normal and acceptable or do I have an issue somewhere down the line?
I think they are Johnson lifters and because the inlet is off now I am contemplating replacing my lifters.Not sure what else to do??

 

Anyone got an opinion on this?

 

I adjusted my rockers today and had the same thing at first I was just adjusting but then it hit me no oil wdf... I only got the first 2 adjusted out and the oil hit but it was about 1 Min or so after start up mind you I have a stock 305 tip.

 

Fwiw, mine seems to take 30 sec or so from cold before I see oil at the rockers (all stock), then they start going a few at a time. Never had any ticking etc because of it though.

I've always thought the rocker oiling system on a SBC ran on prayers and wishes

 

Yeah well 90 seconds just seems way too long to me to get any lube to the rockers and they are real noisey until the oil gets there. My brother inlaw has an 85 Iroc 305 and it doesnt make any lifter/rocker noise at start up so I am somewhat concerned.

 

Mine don't make noise but it seems to take a min to get oil

 

Perhaps the time it takes to get oil there is not an issue then, maybe i need to find out why so noisey until the oil gets there, makes me think my lifters are dodgy, have got some crane antipump lifters I might throw in and see if anything changes?