Rebuilding a 2.9 ?

[jarfly]

Hi, need some input here from some pros, i have an 87 ranger and i rebuilt it several years ago, well it started the lifter noise lately and i have the engine torn apart and all i can find thats worn is the rod bearings(copper color)
first time i rebuilt it = bored .030 cam bearings, rings, new bearings. heads redone at machine shop. It really done good and still no smoke or using oil just the dang lifters sound like they would jump out at 55mph or higher.
any tips, info appreciated.
i found a master rebuild kit from Flatlander Racing for $485.00
anyone done business with them, hows their brands etc...
thank you.Dave

 

[madman_2]

you might try to re-torque the rocker arm assembly down and see if that works. or you could swap some different rocker arms. i was told they could be adjusted, but i dont know how...

 

[hidesertrat]

lifter noise

I remembered reading somewhere that lifter noise was an problem with the 2.9, just remembered where it was......in the Technical Library.

"Additionally, oiling problems were common, and added to the poor reputation of the North American 2.9. Many poorly maintained or high mileage engines exhibit serious valve train noise. This problem is due to a number of design faults. Valve train oil pressure was entirely dependent upon a supply fed through the two center cam bearings. Even slight bearing wear could cause complete loss of oil pressure to the hydraulic valve lifters, rocker shaft, and rockers. Excessive internal "bleeding" through the half-moon camshaft thrust plate also contributed to this, though this can be remedied by reinstalling the thrust plate in an upside-down position. This condition is sometimes mistaken for ticking fuel injectors. This condition isn't a cause for alarm unless it does it very loudly or after long freeway trips. If it does have the oil pressure checked, it could be low."

You may want to go into the technical library and read the article, it is pretty interesting.