Denny, thanks for the input. I have a few follow up question then:

IF you are correct and low oil pressure causes slow pump up of the lifters, why would the noise continue at a steady RPM and would the oil pressure not "catch up"?

Also, IF you are correct and low oil pressure causes the noise, is this a problem in any way? Is performance or longevity or durability sacrificed?

Thirdly, If you are correct..... Will a high volume oil pump resolve that issue?


Is it possible I have one, a few, or all failed lifters (collapsed spring, plugged port, sticking "wafer")?

Finally (kind of separate), the timing is set at 20 degrees, and I get no knock. I am planning to advance further until I get knock, then back off. This seems like too much advance to me, what is your opinion?

Do you mind sharing your experience with us (maybe the other guys know you but I haven't been here long enough). Thanks in advance for your opinions on this problem.


BTW - the cam is far too bumpy for my taste and I may swap to a more mild cam during winter projects to improve driveability.