I'm trying to describe what I "feel" as the engine spins faster or pulls hard. It's a constant vibration that increases some with RPM and load. Similar to the harmonics from the bad flywheel and fan, but this is constant and not as intense. The engine doesn't have a smooth feeling like one would expect. I know it's not a watch, or some old Pontiac straight eight, but I think it should run smoother when cruising or pulling hard.
What I hear could be connected to what I feel. The lifters should quiet down at cruising speeds (2500 - 3000), but they don't...not enough to notice.
I researched more information on general theory about valve timing and how it can change a way an engine "feels". Nice and smooth or rough. The bleed down variability between lifters makes sense, but if half the intake or exhaust lifter settings are a couple thousandths different then the target setting, could that affect performance and make the engine "feel" rougher? If it's just 1 or 2, probably nothing, but if it's several, that would compound the effects.
I trust my engine guy, but he's never worked with Rhoads lifters. It's worth taking a another look at them and also tighten them down to fit the cam better.
|