Engine misfire after lifter replacement

[gblystone]

Lifters making noise, decided to change. Tried head on, but couldn't get the new ones in. Removed head, replaced lifters, replaced head. A small amount of coolant (<1/4 cup), a small amounts of debris from cleaning mating surfaces, and a small amount of PB Blaster (one of the lifters was hard to get out) into the oil sump.
Engine started and ran fine, no lifter noise.
Drove it to work next day, approximately 20 miles round rip. Changed oil, topped off fluids. The vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator was off, put it back on. Due to the location of the filter, oil dripped onto exhaust; cleaned with brake cleaner.
Drove to work next day: Idles fine. Over about 5% throttle - misfires, valves rattle, no power; blip the throttle and valves rattle on coast down.
Checked distributor: Some moisture, but not bad. Dried and reinstalled; issue persists.
Pulled oil filter: The oil inside was much darker than that on the dipstick; put on new filter - issue persists.
This is my daily driver, I need it back on the road soonest.

 

[JPHikr]

New lifters did you use a engine break in oil?
The lifters and cam need zinc in the oil to wear in together.

 

[JustDandee]

I think the initial thoughts are going to be the new lifters on an old cam are not getting along. Maybe some more experienced views will come along with some other things to check. How many miles on the 2.5? how did the old ones look when they came out? I think either way your pulling the valve cover to see how much play you got in the rocker arms.

 

[macleanflood]

My bet is you bumped enough 20 year old wiring in the process of fixing lifters to cause the issue.

Start with verifying grounds.

-Mac

 

[gblystone]

I put 20 miles on it with the old oil and no issues. It was only after changing oil that it started.