Finally have my engine running, but now it has a ticking/knocking noise. When I take the spark plug off the #8 cylinder the noise goes away. Can lifter/ valvetrain issues cause this or am I about to replace rod bearings. Plan to remove valve cover tomorrow just checking for opinions hoping for the best. Engine is efi swapped to carb with duraspark II ignition.
Engine Lifter Or Rod?
- Thread starter Willraylee
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mikestang63
SN Certified Technician
yes, valvetrain noise can cause a ticking noise.So can an exhaust leak. A tod or bearing would cause a noise to sound like a washing machine( knocking) more than a tick. I assume you did some recent top end work? Check your valve lash on #8.
No top end work, installed '85 distributor, duraspark II ignition, plug wires, and coil. Also Holley blue fuel pump and h-pipe and exhaust.
mikestang63
SN Certified Technician
Forgive me for being dumb but how? From everything I've read you just tighten the bolt down. It's tight and will not get any tighter. How does the lifter collapse? I removed the rocker arm and pushrod, they seemed undamaged, reinstalled and still same result.
mikestang63
SN Certified Technician
- Mar 2, 2015
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I've seen lifters collapse from sitting with the valve open....pressure on the spring, rocker, pushrod, and lifter. The oil bleeds out of the lifter and on start up it refuses to pump up.
Sometimes letting it idle for a while will allow it to pump up. Revving and holding about 1500rpm has worked for me in the past...but usually the tick will still be there on cold start ups.
Better to pull the intake and replace it now than to score the lifter bore. Lifters are cheap....everything else...not so much.
