Lifters rattling again

[Pete W]

Hi,

I hate to hit you fine fellows with another question so soon after the carburator deal but here it goes. My lifters are rattling again. I had a friend tighten them last year but they just started making noise again. I don't think I have five hundred miles on the car (1961 Comet with a 144) since he tightened them. I would like to do it myself this time. Is it hard to do? Is there a way to fix it to last longer than 500 miles?

Also, when I hit 50 MPH and press the accelerator the engine makes a growling noise. It doesn't sound healthy. After the initial growl it starts doing it at 40 MPH. Only when I give it gas.

Thanks,

Pete

 

[Junk-Falcon]

just to

 

[Anonymous]

Try backing your timming off 2 degrees. See if that helps.
Ken

 

[MustangSix]

Solid lifters require a periodic adjustment, but 500 miles seems a little soon. I seem to recall that it was a 1500 mile interval for Fords of that vintage. You did it the same time you changed oil and adjusted the points. Cars used to require more frequent maintenance than they do now.

Solids have a distinct, light ticking sound and it's normal to be able to hear them.

 

[LaGrasta]

how often for my 63 1/2?

 

[wallaka]

Should be about 1500 or so. It would probably be fine to do it every oil change, along with adjusting your points.

 

[MustangSix]

Here's a Mustang service manual page. It has valve adjustment at every 12k miles.