After installing new lifters that are not "pumped up" do you guys leave the rocker arms loose or torque them down to start with? Thx

 

Actually, I try to "pump up" new lifters before installation by putting them in a coffee can full of oil and using an old pushrod in a drill press to compress the lifter cup, allowing oil to be pulled in.


If you are talking about stock, non-adjustable rockers, just torque them to spec. If you are talking about aftermarket adjustable, you need the lifters pumped up to set them properly.

 

I like to turn the oil pump with a drill in all new engines I'm about to fire up. It lubes/primes the system and can give a warning if certain issues are going to occur.

 

Be sure your drill is on "reverse" because Olds oil pump turns counter clockwise.

 

Once the short block is together and the oil pump is primed, I'll get the oil flowing and drop in the lifters one at a time.