Engine "click" noise-Need some help

[Fred K-OR]

It is the old junior Model A guy when it comes to these kind of problems. Would like some help trying to pin down this problem.

My engine in my coupe has a "clicking" sound in it as opposed to a "knock". I have tried the following to try to pin it down:

1. Grounded out each spark plug-not change in sound.
2. Changed out the distributor from a two part shaft type to a single shaft type-no change.
3. Took out the timing pin, turned it around, stated engine and had running and then pushed the timing pin against the timing gear-no change.
4. Rechecked the timing.-No change.
5. Took the fan belt off and ran the engine-No change.
6. Purchased a HF listening thing and tried to listen for the sound. Checked a number of places on the engine and not knowing what I should be hearing, did not find much of a noise location except when I put it on the distributor, it seems to make a little different sound.

So I have run out of ideas as to what to do next. The sound seems to be not as loud when the spark is all the way up. Does anyone have any more ideas as to what I could check? Would appreciate any ideas.

[Gary WA]

Checked your starter bolts for proper length?Is this while driving or idling?

[Peter J]

Fred,
Mine does the same thing. Tried all the same tricks you did but no luck either. Folks suggested possibly a broken ring, wrist pin noise or piston. Mine is somewhat irregular but definately a click rather than a knock.
Pete

[Arlen]

First thing that came to mind was one time on my car, the distributor starting making a noticeable tick sound. It was the distributor shaft needing to be oiled at the top and bottom bushing. Also, I've seen hairline cracks in the distributor caps making a tick sound when the voltage travels through them. Try oiling the shaft and changing all the plastic pieces on your distributor. Any tick I've ever heard under the hood has always been distributor based. Your on the right track. Lastly, could it be a rotor cap spinning and touching one of the metal studs inside the distributor cap? Keep at it and let us know.

[TinCup]

Valve timinig isn't in your list.

[SHEC]

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Perhaps the engine was rebuilt at some point with adjustable lifters - generally if one is making a noise (sometimes sounds like a tick), then it will generally go away with warm up. If not, then a modest "ticking" sound can hang in there at various speeds.

Good luck -

SHEC

[Patrick L.]

My thoughts too are valve lash or distributor..

[1928Pickuppain]

Mine ticks so loud it almost has a desal engine at idle. It's just there's so much were it dose that. If it stoped ticking I'd be concerened. 20000 -25000 miles last year with all that ticking an no problem I wouldent worrie about it

[700rpm]

Does it go away when the engine warms up? I have a tick in my coupe when it's cold, but it goes away as the engine gets warmed up. Local expert opinions suggest either piston slap or a cracked/broken ring on #3. I'm going to go with piston slap because my compression readings are good. Maybe next spring I'll take it apart, and check and adjust the valves at that time.

[juke joint johnny]

I would check your valve lifter gaps , and check the timing gear crank gear lash .

Most people don't reccomend that single distributor shaft !! The 2 part one is better

John Cochran

[Fred K-OR]

I don't think it is in the distributor. I completely replaced the distributor, all different parts with another distributor I had rebuilt. This one had the single shaft. Still the same click. So the click seems to be there with either a single shaft or double shaft( original distributor was double shaft)

It does have adjustable lifters. When I installed the "new" engine I just put in, I looked at the valve section. It was not a rebuilt engine but rather one I purchased and I checked it out (big mistake for me to check it) But being not a capable mechanic, I did not check the lifters for proper clearance.

When I was checking the engine, I did take off the flywheel and put it back on. I used the same bolts that were in it to put it back on. But I did put in a new (aftermarket) washer in between the flywheel and end of the crank. From what I read on the Barn, this could be a problem area-hope not.

The other bolt situation could be the starter like mentioned above. I think I will go out this afternoon and take one bolt loose at a time while it is running and see if that makes a difference. I did use the same bolts that were in the starter when I purchased the engine, but guess it could still be a problem.

The last thing I could think of and mentioned above, would be to check the valve gaps. Guess I will have to read the book to see how to go about this unless someone has a simple way to do this.

The other thing I did not do when I installed the "new" engine was to take off the head nor did I check the compression. A couple of things this lazy guy did not do. May need to back up and do these.

The noise does not change whether it is cold or hot. But is seems to be a little bit less when I put the spark up but is still there.

Will keep you all posted. Thanks for the ideas.

[Patrick L.]

What made you take off the flywheel ?? And why did you install a 'washer' between the crank and flywheel ??

[Fordcat]

Fred, It could be as easy as the camshaft thrust plunger & spring set (A-6275 & A-6276) These get worn and a lot of engine rebuilders don't replace this unit. It then allows the camshaft to move lengthwise back and forth a few thousands. I have just repaired two Model A's making your clicking sound. Just a thought to check.

[Rusty Homestead Fl]

Fred. I'm assuming you errored in saying you put the washer between the crank and the flywheel, right?

[Clem Clement]

Have you tried a listening stick?

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

Have you tried a listening stick?

Yes I purchased a HF supper duper one. In using it, and I don't really know how to use it, when I touch the distributor, it seems to be the loudest.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

What made you take off the flywheel ?? And why did you install a 'washer' between the crank and flywheel ??

Fred. I'm assuming you errored in saying you put the washer between the crank and the flywheel, right?

I took flywheel off because I considered changing the ring gear but then decided the ring gear was not in that bad of shape and left it. Guess the proper term for the "washer" is "spacer plate". I put the new one back in the same way the old one came out.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Fordcat

Fred, It could be as easy as the camshaft thrust plunger & spring set (A-6275 & A-6276) These get worn and a lot of engine rebuilders don't replace this unit. It then allows the camshaft to move lengthwise back and forth a few thousands. I have just repaired two Model A's making your clicking sound. Just a thought to check.

I have been told about this possibility before but have not done anything about it yet. Could be a possibility. Question on this item-would this problem cause a consistent click? This what I have, a consistent click.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Fred. I'm assuming you errored in saying you put the washer between the crank and the flywheel, right?

I took flywheel off because I considered changing the ring gear but then decided the ring gear was not in that bad of shape and left it. Guess the proper term for the "washer" is "spacer plate". I put the new one back in the same way the old one came out.

I am thinking what you call a spacer plate is the flywheel dowel retainer plate. It goes between the flywheel and the bolt heads and covers the dowel holes to keep them from coming out if they loosen. If indeed you did install it between the flywheel and the crankshaft flange, you might have a problem. I do not know if that would be the source of the click, but its not the right way to install a flywheel. It could shim it back enough so the ring gear teeth strike the bendix teeth and possibly contribute to wobble as well.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

I bought a used counterweighted engine. Number four weight was ticking the rear edge of the dipper pan part time. Was very difficult to find.