lifter noise?

[Peter J]

After the second time checking valve adjustments and found OK again, I figured I'd better ask. I isolated the ticking between #3 and #6 lifters. After checking them (for the 2nd time) they're fine. Could the noise be comming from the dist. shaft (2 piece) or drive gear? Engine runs great by the way.
Thanks again for your input,
Pete

[Patrick L.]

I first thought you meant the noise was #3 and #6,but, I think you mean #3,4,5,and 6.. What is the lash ?? Are your lifters adjustable?? The drive gear can certainly make noise as could the shaft.. Replacement drive gears are available in STD and oversize.. A stethoscope, screwdriver, hose, dowel, etc can help pin point the noise.. Some noise from these engines is or should be normal.. Even so, these engines are quieter than some new modern engines..

[Peter J]

Patrick,
Yes did the sthethoscope trick and the noise is in that area. Probably closer to #'s 3 and 4. adj. lifters at .014. Only one "lifter" is the clupret. Engine is a stock B but I could switch my dist shaft and drive with the A block I just took out.
Pete

[Jim Brierley]

Could also be the block is worn and the lifter is loose in it. The cure for that is oversize lifters, such as Chrysler.

[James Rogers]

What kind of valves and guides do you have?

[Patrick L.]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I'm with Jim and James.. I'm assuming by #3 and #4 you both valves on #2 cylinder[or #3 cylinder if you're counting from the rear].. A worn guide or lifter bore can make noise.. Have you tried tightening [reducing the lash] them just to see if the noise changes ?? When the drive gears argue with each other they make kind of a distinctive noise and it seems you have pin pointed the location of the noise.. I'm also wondering if a lifter or valve is hanging up/sticking a bit..

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Could it be the center cam bearing? Chuck

[columbiA]

The lifter bore in a B would wear out quicker than an A because their is less lubrication in the valve chamber,but their is mild pressure to the cam brgs-& mains.

[Peter J]

James, I have double lock lifters and two piece guides (new), Patrick, that sounds like a good idea tightening them up a little just to see. I pulled the side cover again yesterday just to double check my clearances and their OK. Cam gear quiet. My wife thought it sounded like the dist. which I swapped out with another (no luck). Like I say, it's very distinctive but runs great. Any way to check for excess lifter clearance in the block? How about swapping out the dist. drive gear?

[Patrick L.]

How much rotational slop [technical term] is in the distributor shafts ? If there is quite a bit, they could make some noise along with the drive gears.. The drive gear is not hard to replace.. But, if there isn't much slack/slop then I'd suspect a valve area issue..

[Peter J]

Patrick,
Little if any slop (new lower shaft). Could the lifter bore be the cause? I wouldn't think it would effect only one. How about running the suspect lifters down to zero and work backwards by elemination? Would a broken ring make that kind of noise?

[James Rogers]

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but, a scored piston will make a noise like a loose lifter. Worn pistons will slap and sound like a lifter tapping too.

[glenn in camino]

They all make noises. Some serious, some not. Drive it til it won't run anymore.

[Peter J]

Got a point Glenn. Talked to some guy today who said it possibly may be a tight fit on one of my new guides and the new valve which will probably wear in. Heck, I'm gonna drive it (as soon as it quits raining).
Thanks,
Pete

[James Rogers]

Are the new valves stainless or stock steel? This makes a difference in the way they are adjusted. Stainless is not affected by heat in the same way as plain steel.

[Peter J]

James, the valves are all new stainless all set at .014. I open the valve cover the the 3rd time yesterday. I'm beginning to think it click is in the dist. shaft! I replaced the old spring with a stronger one but no change. New gears in the pump. Could it be oil pump noises transferring up the shaft to the dist. area?

[Rex_A_Lott]

Just wondering if this noise is constant and unchanging, or if there is a difference after the engine gets up to normal temp and driving?

[James Rogers]

Stainless valves won't expand as well as original type so the lash can be set closer. I would set the valves (or the offending one) closer like .002 and see if the noise goes away. If it doesn't you have a problem somewhere else. I would suspect a piston.

[1931 flamingo]

If you short each cyl out does the noise stop??
Paul in CT

[30modelA]

check the exhaust gasket.