I am experiencing a very rough idle, heavy clatter on RH rockers and lifters. A base like minor vibration on the peddle when revving, oil light on at idle. The indicator is intermittent. The engine will run fine for 5 mins or so, then descends into a rough condition. Seems like its starving for oil. I've got shavings in the oil.

replaced: oil pump gears, heads and gaskets have been done, no coolant or oil leaks, timing chain done, new PS pump.

Trying to figure out what the heck is wrong here. Rocker arms and lifters?? I cleaned the oil pickup too when it was out. I am thinking the rocker arms are dead. At least that's what I hope.

not too much else, other than major lower end malfunction. Does anyone agree with my rocker arms and lifters needing replacement?

 

We can only guess, bottom line, read my sticky at the top of this section on head gaskets and valve train noise and following their information, time to tear it down to the cam measuring as you go.

 

Shavings in the oil.

You may have had antifreeze in the oil at one time.
Or you still have it.

Antifreeze will cause the main bearings to wear fast and become copper shavings in the oil.

You can see these in the oil if you take the oil drain pan out into the sunlight.

So to keep the antifreeze out, replace valley pan gasket.
or replace head gaskets and then valley pan gasket.

Once that is done

You will need to replace the main and rod bearings.
This may increase oil pressure.

Then check for oil pressure.

You are close to spinning a bearing or you may have spun one if there is a clunk noise.

Sorry man.

Lots of work to do.

 

ok, thanks so much for the tips and advise. I guess I will start ripping into the engine.. again. Third time, is a charm.

 

If it's not anything to do with the top end, then it must be located deep into the lower end. I keep hoping that it's a simple fix, but I think the hard clattering of the lifters and rocker arms is only a symptom of the underlying issue.