65' motor ticking/knocking

[bendmartin 64 1/2]

I have a 65 Mustang. The original motor was a 270 but was swapped out for a 302 . The motor ticks/knocks at idle and the ticking speeds up with acceleration. It sounds like the ticking is coming from under the valve cover. I've heard sticky lifters are common in older motors but I'm not sure. The car was stored in 86'. I pulled it out about 6 months ago and went to work. Unfortunately it was stored with ALL of its fluids. After 26 years of sitting, you can imagine.. After draining the "oil" out of the motor. I dumped another 5 quarts straight through it. I then filled it and ran it for a bit and changed it again. The motor ran smooth and "quiet" for a while and then the ticking started. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[gikort]

Could be the lifters. You can also check the rocker arms to make sure one hasn't come loose.

 

[Realmongo]

You may want to try running the engine with a strong oil detergent to try and disolve the gum which may have formed in the lifters.

 

[Hack]

Depending on your skills, you have options. Replacement lifters aren't that expensive. You can pull the intake, valve covers and rockers and replace the lifters with new ones. If you run an engine with lifters making noise for very long you might damage the cam. I'd think you could easily swap out the lifters in a day if that's all you're doing.

 

[MitchGT]

could also be a leaking exhaust manifold (I know that sounds odd, but it's true). It would not cost anything to tighten up the exhaust bolts....

 

[Hack]

could also be a leaking exhaust manifold (I know that sounds odd, but it's true). It would not cost anything to tighten up the exhaust bolts....

Could be, but normally exhaust leaks most on initial startup and lessens as the motor gets warmer. His symptoms were opposite.

 

[woodsnake]

+1 for checking the exhaust manifolds though, too..

 

[PoppyMod]

Hi,
Outside of re-torquing the exh. manifolds, you might pull both covers and watch the valve train action at idle. Look for similar rhythmic actions for each. Check that all push rods are flowing oil. Also, It's quit possible the noise will gradually go away if the lifters are not fully pumping up. Prolong idling and driving may cause them to "free up"? Good Luck!

 

[bendmartin 64 1/2]

Wow thanks for all the tips guys! I think I am going to give seafoam a try. I've heard it works really well for sticky lifters. I will also check the exhaust manifold. After I run the seafoam I will take the covers off and check out the valve train. I'll let you know how it went. Thanks again!