I have the exact same problem Stg1 Regal had 9 yrs ago. The 47k SF I dropped in the Custom in Dec runs great locally, 40psi, 210temp, quiet rockers. But run very far and rockers, lifter(s) get louder and louder, misses and perf dies. Eng was in a 70 Estate Wagon that set for 30 yrs. I've changed the oil 4 times, Liqui-Moly twice, Rislone coming back from Balt...no luck. I'm going to pull right,pass VC and see what's going on. I was reading what a few old Buick Dealership mechanics said back then about the "soft" aluminum rockers. Thanks Mart
I, of course, Vasoline primed the Oil Pump before I started it, but Johnny did not when he started it in Tyler Texas.
Might have a lobe going flat. The pass. side lifter galley gets oiled 1st so their should be tonnes of pressure/volume for the lifters. Usually the dr side has that problem if that happens. Ray
Hope not Ray. Wouldn't a worn lobe make it surge and run rough all the time? Idles smooth and quiet and runs great, until you go very far. Thanks Mart
An engine that sat for 30 years a lot can go bad as far as the liquids (oil and coolant) I'd pull the engine, disassemble, inspect, clean, and replace at least the bearings
What weight oil are you running? If it's 5w30 or 10w30, try stepping up to a 15w40 or 20w50. I run 20w50 in most of the older stuff, especially when it gets a few miles on it. My F100 will rattle like it's coming apart on 5w30 when warm, put 20w50 in it and it's good to go. It's a "loose" built overhaul I did.
Valvoline 10w30, then 10w40, then 20w50. Rod and mains are quiet as a church mouse, (48k now), runs smooth and quiet until you go very far. Then the right, passenger rockers get loud and performance drops. Thanks Guys. I'll take the VCs off and hopefully just a couple worn aluminum rockers or clogged up lifters. Thanks Mart
Does the 5/8" pickup do anything if you don't drill the passage to 5/8"? Took right VC off, one button off, Push Rods turning and no Rockers are loose or push down. But not enough oil is getting up to them. Maybe pull the PRs out and see if they're clogged up from sitting for 30 years. But Rod and Mains are quiet as a Church mouse. Thanks Mart I'll attempt to take video.
Goes to 50psi at start up, then runs at 40 until you run very far. Called Melling today, they don't make oil pickups for Buick 455. What do most guys use? Like I said, I should've put a new one on BEFORE I dropped eng in... Thanks ws
Are the oil return holes at the back of the heads/under valve covers open? The top end may also be getting flooded and not returning fast enough to starve the oil pump. The pick ups are a serviceable item unless crushed or otherwise damaged. Any mouse nesting stuff inside?? ws
I'll check Bill, Thanks Do the 5/8" Pickups really do anything if you don't drill the passage out to 5/8?
Is it possible that the pushrods are adjusted with too much pre-load and when the motor warms up the lifters bottom out and the valves don't completely seat? Just a thought.
Thanks Ray. I'll start with dropping the pan (which I should have done before I put eng in). It sat in a 70 Estate Wagon for 30 years, last inspection was 1986 and I got it Summer 2016. 47k so hopefully just gunked up stuff.
Im sticking with the mice theory! This is a Model T ford engine I got a few years ago. It was still buttoned up and i was gonna try to get it to run, but it was stuck too good. This is what I found inside the pan... ws
You are aware that you're missing a rocker arm button? Any idea where it went, as in head drain at rear?? Personally, I'd change the oil with 3 quarts of oil and 2 quarts of diesel fuel for a thorough flush. Have you checked the relief valve on the oil pump? Maybe stuck or a weak/broken spring? If you do decide to pull the pan ya may as well throw a set of bearings in it while its apart. Neoprene rear seal is a good idea too! ws
