knocking at start up again

[harleynut]

About a week ago I was reading a thread about knocking noise for about 30 seconds at start up. Suggestions were to short #s 2& 3 spark plugs to confirm it's slop in in the middle main Babbitt. Questions....is that a sure fire way to determine that? I did that and no change. That test and after talking to Tom Jordan at Snyder's who told me bearing knock doesn't go away on it's own. engine runs fine....good compression...no blow by, just the knocking at start up. If or when I drop the pan, what do I need to know about about seals and gaskets when I reinstall the oil pan. Just doing my homework before I jump into things. Thanks for any thoughts.