It starts, it runs....but doesn't sound right

[alone_and_insane]

So here's the backstory: I took the car apart the first week in July, replaced the lifters, deleted EGR, and deleted AIR. Had a base cal done on the PCM by BLKHAWK. Finally got it all put back together, and started it up for the first time tonight. Here's the result:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeCW6...ature=youtu.be

I only let it run for the two minutes because I got scared and shut it off. I don't think the oil pressure needle moved the entire time--that is, it was at that position before I started it and well after I shut it back off.

Any thoughts?

[CJOFORM]

Valves need adjusted. If that tapping I hear is lifters then re adjust your valves.

As far as the oil pressure gauge. Could be a bad sending unit. It does not move at all except to read of the scale right? Check the connection going to it.

[jderry]

I agree.

That is usually what an oil pressure gauge reads with no connection, or a bad sensor.

Did you pressurize the oiling system before you set your valve adjustment?

I would go back through and make sure they're set correctly.

[alone_and_insane]

Well I think I found my culprit:





Reached my hand around to the back of the engine where the oil pressure sending unit is this morning before work, and found this: the plug is completely severed. No idea how that happened...

I didn't pressurize the oil system before setting the valve adjustment, I didn't know anything about that. I followed the adjustment procedure on shbox.com, and I was pretty sure I did it right...

[alone_and_insane]

A friend of mine suggested possibly running the motor at 2500 rpm or so to work the lifters a little harder to get oil working through them...is that a good idea?

[jderry]

They're hydraulic, so the pushrod rides somewhere in the bore of the lifter. It has travel that will compensate for some movement.
I would take the valve covers off, and reset your rockers just to be safe.

[CJOFORM]

Well I'm giving my opinion based on what I can hear, which is mainly your exhaust. But when you went under the hood I could hear distinct chattering of valvetrain. I personally have only used that method to adjust them once with perfect success. Usually I have had to readjust after it was back together. If I were you I would "fine tune" them while the engine is running. For ME this is the easiest method. To minimize oil mess get an old valve cover and cut the center out length wise. Just lay it on the head and adjust the valves that way. That works best for me. It is really easy to feel which ones need help when you have your socket on the adjustment nut.

[alone_and_insane]

Yeah, I ran it for about 5 minutes this afternoon and the valvetrain chatter was just too much. I'm going to be gone the rest of the weekend, so I'll take off the valve covers and try the adjustment again next week.