Sewing MACHINE NOISE...

Vinnietbird

Member
Jun 2, 2005
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I installed the GT40-P engine last week.It has ported heads with Trick Flow springs (not milled),Trick Flow Stage 1 cam, Explorer intake,and headers....anyway, it seems pretty strong, but I hear a sewing machine sound from the valve train. What would be causing that and is it possibly bad for the engine? The short block has about 20,xxx miles on it. The heads were completely gone through with springs, valve job,porting, and for now, I'm using the stamped steel rockers and stock length push rods. I'm looking for roller rockers as we speak. What causes the noise like that and how can I "fix" it?

Here it is.....I know I need to do a lot of underhood straightening, but that will come in time....

DSCF7970.jpg
 
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Sounds to me like your rockers are loose. There's a very specific sequence to torque them and measure valve lash.


http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/780568-best-way-adjust-rockers.html


Look at that thread and it has some helpful info. There's a link to a "how-to"...I didn't read it, though.

Unless you have a spare valve cover to cut up like that guy, I wouldn't adjust them w/ the car running...I tried that one time and got oil ALL OVER THE PLACE. Not saying it can't be done, I'm just saying it made a freaking mess!
 
The belt has been like that for about 3 years.The rockers are pedestal mount.Maybe they do need a little more tightening.I'll be checking it Tuesday after work.No time til then.As I stated above,I'm also looking for some affordable roller rockers to install before Saturday.Our car club is going to the Texas Motor Speedway to hang out and they are going to let us run 3 laps behind the pace car.Something cool to do.I'm trying to make sure the Sport is ready to go.
 
The belt has been like that for about 3 years.The rockers are pedestal mount.Maybe they do need a little more tightening.I'll be checking it Tuesday after work.No time til then.As I stated above,I'm also looking for some affordable roller rockers to install before Saturday.Our car club is going to the Texas Motor Speedway to hang out and they are going to let us run 3 laps behind the pace car.Something cool to do.I'm trying to make sure the Sport is ready to go.
You can't "tighten" them any more if they are at 19 lbs ft.Its about running them down to zero lash and then reaching torque spec at 3/4 turn past that.
 
I'm not sure what he (machine shop owner) tightened the rockers to.I'll call and ask him today.That sound is bugging me though.The previous engine didn't have that noise.Have you guys had any engines that have the sewing machine sound?I wouldn't think it's supposed to sound like that,but,I haven't had experience with all engines.I appreciate the help with this.
 
Thanks Jamee.It'll look better when I get some wires routed and get everything straight and cleaned up like it needs to be.When I got the car from the salvage yard,it was devastating under the hood.

As far as the rockers...They are fine now.I forgot to update. It's got a very slight ticking,but everything has been great.I'm about to install my SVO 1.6 roller rockers probably tomorrow,along with adjusting the clutch cable and checking for a small exhaust leak.After that,I'm taking her out and roast the tires. The car is running really strong,and has surprised a few cars around here.