New Engine Knocking

[Terry Burtz, Calif]

If the oil pump or distributor drive gear bushing is not secured to the cylinder block, you might hear a knocking sound.

Oil pressure pushes down on the oil pump and up on the distributor drive gear bushing.

If the oil pressure is high, the unsecured oil pump or distributor drive gear bushing can move.

When the oil pump or drive gear bushing moves enough, the oil pressure is relieved, and the spring at the bottom of the oil pump or the spring in the valve chamber that holds the distributor drive bushing in place will return the oil pump or distributor drive gear bushing to their proper position, causing a knock.

Buddy Ogden has one of the new engines that knocks when the oil is cold, but the knock disappears as the oil warms up.

If Buddy is using an oil pump that cannot generate enough oil pressure when the oil is hot and thin, the oil pump and distributor drive gear bushing will not move, and there will be no knocking. When the oil cools, the pressure increases, and the knock comes back.

Please follow the "Builders Guide" and ensure the oil pump and distributor drive gear bushing are secured.