I got a 78 FL shovel. Bone stock as far as I can tell. The engine is anyway. After running for awhile I hear top end clicking. Sounds like a collapsed lifter in a small block Chevy motor. Just changed oil and put in Lucas straight 70 weight oil. Screen is clean. Didn't adjust lifter/pushrods yet because it's quiet when I first start it up. Could I be losing oil pressure? After engine cools off its quiet again til it warms up.

 

Solid or hyd. lifters ? and yes oil pressure does drop when they warm up , the light will come on at an idle or a stop light that's normal . A bit more info on the noise , is it just a clicking or a louder clatter ?

 

When I bought it the guy told me hydraulic. When I called him and told him about the noise he then said solid. So I'm not sure. And it could be a rattling noise. Hard to hear with the wind in your ears.

 

Check your valve push rod adjustment,esay to do ,then try running to see if noise exists.

 

remove the push rod tube clip lift it up and post a picture most will be able to tell you what you have and how to adjust them