The Ford Barn

Sixseven · 10-27-2014, 08:03 AM

My question is am I over reving or do I have a mechanical problem that requires immediate attention. It is a '41 pickup that I drive to about 40-45 mph tops. At about 45+ the engine makes a higher frequency clatter than the lower frequency crank knock; I don't believe the crank is knocking. It sounds sounds unhealthy so I certainly don't and haven't maintained that rpm. Without a tach it is hard for me to say what rpm the engine is turning.

I suspect that I am hearing valve train noise. Is this a typical flathead symptom to a problem or an indication of a engine driven beyond its limit?

trainguy · 10-27-2014, 10:52 AM

Fan noise?

Mike51Merc · 10-27-2014, 11:01 AM

Maybe valve lash. Check valve clearances.
Maybe pre-ignition clatter. Retard timing a bit.
Flatheads generally can't rev high enough to damage themselves.

fordscript · 10-27-2014, 04:06 PM

What is the oil pressure when it is making this noise? Sounds like bearings to me.

WestCoast · 10-27-2014, 07:02 PM

im with fordscript, I say rod bearings, pull pan and check inserts, if any show copper thru the babbit coating its time to replace them

Sixseven · 10-28-2014, 06:24 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Not fan noise - thanks

Valve lash - I'll check it

Bearings - rod knock would make sense too, I'll check it

I've been afraid to start taking this truck apart to fix things, because I know that I will find more issues. Once that happens, I will be in for a full restore and won't get to drive it for a couple of years. I guess I better turn that first bolt.

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it.

Ken

10-27-2014, 08:03 AM	#1
Sixseven Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 482	What's that sound? My question is am I over reving or do I have a mechanical problem that requires immediate attention. It is a '41 pickup that I drive to about 40-45 mph tops. At about 45+ the engine makes a higher frequency clatter than the lower frequency crank knock; I don't believe the crank is knocking. It sounds sounds unhealthy so I certainly don't and haven't maintained that rpm. Without a tach it is hard for me to say what rpm the engine is turning. I suspect that I am hearing valve train noise. Is this a typical flathead symptom to a problem or an indication of a engine driven beyond its limit?

10-27-2014, 10:52 AM	#2
trainguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lehighton Pa Posts: 1,085	Re: What's that sound? Fan noise?

10-27-2014, 11:01 AM	#3
Mike51Merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Pennsylvania Posts: 1,582	Re: What's that sound? Maybe valve lash. Check valve clearances. Maybe pre-ignition clatter. Retard timing a bit. Flatheads generally can't rev high enough to damage themselves.

10-27-2014, 04:06 PM	#4
fordscript Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oamaru, New Zealand Posts: 419	Re: What's that sound? What is the oil pressure when it is making this noise? Sounds like bearings to me.

10-27-2014, 07:02 PM	#5
WestCoast Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: oroville calif Posts: 893	Re: What's that sound? im with fordscript, I say rod bearings, pull pan and check inserts, if any show copper thru the babbit coating its time to replace them

10-28-2014, 06:24 PM	#6
Sixseven Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 482	Re: What's that sound? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Not fan noise - thanks Valve lash - I'll check it Bearings - rod knock would make sense too, I'll check it I've been afraid to start taking this truck apart to fix things, because I know that I will find more issues. Once that happens, I will be in for a full restore and won't get to drive it for a couple of years. I guess I better turn that first bolt. Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. Ken