I had valve train noise from this engine since I build it last winter. Checked every clearance possible. Nothing loose or touching anywhere. Even added 1 qt. amsoil 60wt. oil to the oil mix. Summertime, won't hurt. Running Fueling lifters and S&S adjustable pushrods (32 treads to the inch).

August issue of AIM Magazine had Donny Peterson's artical about his discussion with Bob Wood about lifter adjustment and reasons. I do have Woods springs also.

I followed his instructions and adjusted the lifters 4.5 (actually 4.25) turns instead of 3.0 turnes. Target 0.050 instead of 0.100 in the lifter. Lifter travel is 0.200 so the idea is to get in the middle about. Some adjustable pushrods have differend threads per inch so you gotta take that into consideration.

I think the KEY observation with me and with many people conserned with this noise is that it doesn't make much noise when first started and still cold. Comes on quick though.

For whatever reason, cylinder or pushrod or head growth, as things heat up now, there is NO valve train noise with this new adjustment. Can now hear the tires humming along.

Something to check out.

 

Course now I wonder about the lifters, a problem?, or are they now in the sweet spot I hear about.

Cause I know this problem has been around for about 100 years.

 

Gunny, sounds like you got the trick.........

 

Yeah I saw where you, I think it was, mentioned adding 1 turn to the adjustment.
Such a easy thing.
Of course gotta check everything first. Cause there is a bunch of places can cause noise. And some are serious problems.