What year 235? The oil line inside the lifter cover was only used on the '53-'55 1st series 235s. The later 55-62 engines lubed through the lifter bosses.
On a 55-62, the oil flows from the rear cam bearing, around the lifter bodies, then up the passage in the center of the lifter galley to the deck surface. There it passes through the head gasket and feeds the rocker feedpipe in the center of the rocker arm assy.
I think only the 261s used the special head bolt to pass oil. Somebody double check!
Pull your lifter (side) cover on the passanger's side of the engine and check the following:
53-55 235s used the oil line to carry oil from the rear cam bearing to the lifter galley. Make sure its connected and not plugged up.
55-62 235s must use the valve lifters with a chamfer in the body so the oil can pass around them. Make sure your motor has these if its a 55-62!
55-62 engines have a pipe plug screwed into the center oil passage in the block where the line used to be on the 53-55 engines. If the plug is missing, all the rocker arm oil will blow down into the pushrod/lifter cover.
Check for clogged passages in rocker assembly.
If the rear cam bearing was installed wrong, your lifters will starve for oil too. Check to make sure that oil is getting to the lifters.
You may want to disassemble your rocker assembly and check for damage. Couple hunderd miles with no oil has probably burned up your pushrods and adjuster balls. If your lucky, you haven't ruined your valves and guides. See, the oil to the top end lubes and cools your valves and guides. No oil = galled guides and valvestems.
If a shop did the work, bring it to them and insist they check the above items. Look over their sholder and ask for all old parts back.
Good luck
Chip
