Lifter noise

Dinger · Jul 9, 2024

This just started. I’m thinking it’s a collapse lifter.

Sheriff41 · Jul 9, 2024

Time to pull the valve covers and check the valve train. Check for loose rockers, bent pushrods, and that each of the cam lobes is actuating the valves.

Don C · Jul 9, 2024

When's the last time you checked your oil level?

73pony · Jul 10, 2024

Also. get mechanics stethoscope. I had the same sound several years ago. ended up being a cracked exhaust manifold.

TommyK · Jul 10, 2024

Seems like more than just lifter noise. The way it shakes, it looks like a pretty significant misfire on one or more cylinders.

mrgmhale · Jul 10, 2024

Dinger said:
This just started. I’m thinking it’s a collapse lifter.

Where in PA are you located. I might be able to drop by on a road trip a little later this year and do an acoustical analysis if you have not by then resolved or identified the issue.

Dinger · Jul 12, 2024

Don C said:
When's the last time you checked your oil level?

Before I started it. Oil changed 200 miles ago with Zink additive.

Dinger · Jul 12, 2024

Sheriff41 said:
Time to pull the valve covers and check the valve train. Check for loose rockers, bent pushrods, and that each of the cam lobes is actuating the valves.

Haven't had time to pull the valve covers working on the front suspension. Up on jack stands makes it tuff to get there.

1sostatic · Jul 17, 2024

Yeah - valve covers off and examine .

Before one starts really pulling stuff apart ...
I had similar annoying tick tick tick ... and a slightly shakey engine and I was scared to death

because its easy to think the worst
... turned out one plug had gone open circuit. wtf!

If you think the issue is deeper borescoping first is always better prior to ripping anything apart
where ever you can get a micro camera first can yield clues.

Hemikiller · Jul 18, 2024

The shake is a misfire, and looking at how you have your plug wires routed - that's potentially a problem. Wrapping them around each other can cause an inductive crossfire. Follow the diagram below for wire routing. It's for a 94 F series, but the firing order is the same as the 351C.

As far as the ticking, I would start with making sure all your plugs are tight and none are cracked. If none of that makes any difference, then I'd use a stethoscope and figure out which cylinder is making the noise and pull that valve cover.

MAD IRISHMAN · Jul 18, 2024

mrgmhale said:
Where in PA are you located. I might be able to drop by on a road trip a little later this year and do an acoustical analysis if you have not by then resolved or identified the issue.

An "acoustical analysis"? Never heard that one before. I guess that's a regional term. Down here in the valley we call it "give it a listen".

MAD IRISHMAN · Jul 18, 2024

Dinger said:
Haven't had time to pull the valve covers working on the front suspension. Up on jack stands makes it tuff to get there.

I made these for short folks (like my wife) over 20 years ago. One for each side.. Or Harbor Freight sells a nice aluminum one that I also have a couple of now. Actually have been using the HF models in working on my Mach 1 engine bay. Makes life as a senior citizen a lot better. LOL

Dinger · Jul 27, 2024

Well I did a compression test and all cylinders are between 145 to150. I guess I will go check the plugs and wires. it is not the exhaust new headers. What is confusing is it ran perfect sat for two weeks and the noise started immediately on start up.

Don C · Jul 27, 2024

I would suspect the new headers. Heat/cool cycles often cause header bolts to loosen, as well as gaskets to compress.

Steve McMahan · Jul 27, 2024

I second the headers, mine loosened up after I first ran them. My heart stopped until I realized it was loose header bolts.

TommyK · Jul 28, 2024

New headers? Make sure you don't have plug wires laying on the tubes. If that is the case and one or more burned through, that would explain both the noise and the misfire(s).

Dinger · Jul 29, 2024

Well as quick as it started the tick is gone! After it warmed up it went away Thank God. Now it running smooth.
Thanks for the Help.

3pedals · Dec 8, 2024

Dinger said:
Well as quick as it started the tick is gone! After it warmed up it went away Thank God. Now it running smooth.
Thanks for the Help.

So, what was the cause? I'm having similar symptoms right now. Car ran a couple weeks ago fine and sat. But, it's gotten a lot colder here in nyc, garage probably down in 40s. Started yesterday and loud clicking sound. I did have exhaust leak at header addressed recently with new gasket so maybe cold weather this have loosened? Hope that's all it is. Sound scared me so I shut it off after 30 seconds well before it warmed up.

3pedals · Dec 8, 2024

3pedals said:
So, what was the cause? I'm having similar symptoms right now. Car ran a couple weeks ago fine and sat. But, it's gotten a lot colder here in nyc, garage probably down in 40s. Started yesterday and loud clicking sound. I did have exhaust leak at header addressed recently with new gasket so maybe cold weather this have loosened? Hope that's all it is. Sound scared me so I shut it off after 30 seconds well before it warmed up.

Figured it out. Fan is contacting bottom of the fan shroud. Pressing down on the top and it goes away. Not sure how that shifted. I did have to move months ago to get at the radiator petcock to drain it. Must not have gotten it all the way down and it's drifted upwards.

Lifter noise

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