Noisy Valves

57teebyrd · 08-18-2006, 08:05 PM

Hi Guys, if you read my 1st post you know I just picked up a 70 Cutlass. I was told the 350 4 barrel rocket motor was rebuilt some 7000 miles ago in about 2003, (I don't have documentation, the engine looked like it was, the owner was a sweet young woman and I'm a sucker) - the car sat for 2 years. There was some left side front valve noise when I looked at it and expected it would go away after an oil change and running it. I put in 10W40 and 1/2 bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil and ran it for about 4 hours - mostly driving and some idling. Valve noise has not changed. I contacted the owner and she is trying to find the receipts. I pulled the valve cover and it was as clean as a whistle with nothing loose, (car has 150,000 miles on it). That's about the limit of my knowledge. By the looks of things these valves are not adjustable. Any ideas or just bring it to a shop? Thanks.

Oldsguy · 08-19-2006, 06:55 AM

You are right that they are not adjustable, like cheys are. But you can be sure that all the rockers are tightened down to the torque specs. I doubt that would fix it, you probably have worn vavle train/collapsed lifters/ etc. Try the torque first though.

HWYSTR455 · 08-23-2006, 08:24 AM

If the studs are press in, then you can also tap on the top of the stud to ensure they're seated all the way. (I forget if they're screw in or press in studs). You could also check for a bent pushrod. (aside from Oldsguy's collapsed lifter thought). I've also seen on fresh guides on rebuilt heads that they are a little tight and hang slightly, which in time will go away. Does it idle rough or have a noticeable miss? If not, just live with it if you can.

57teebyrd · 08-24-2006, 07:04 AM

Thanks for the replies, I went ahead and changed all the pushrods, rockers and pivots and she's as quite as a mouse! Thanx again!

PetChemMan · 08-30-2006, 07:44 PM

Although not the problem in this case, I've had good luck using Rislone oil additive to stop noisy hydraulic valve lifters. Although I view most of these "mouse milk" additives with suspicion, Rislone has worked for me on three or four occasions. It works when the noise is due to varnish or sludge deposits in the lifters.

08-18-2006, 08:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
57teebyrd Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 11	Noisy Valves Hi Guys, if you read my 1st post you know I just picked up a 70 Cutlass. I was told the 350 4 barrel rocket motor was rebuilt some 7000 miles ago in about 2003, (I don't have documentation, the engine looked like it was, the owner was a sweet young woman and I'm a sucker) - the car sat for 2 years. There was some left side front valve noise when I looked at it and expected it would go away after an oil change and running it. I put in 10W40 and 1/2 bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil and ran it for about 4 hours - mostly driving and some idling. Valve noise has not changed. I contacted the owner and she is trying to find the receipts. I pulled the valve cover and it was as clean as a whistle with nothing loose, (car has 150,000 miles on it). That's about the limit of my knowledge. By the looks of things these valves are not adjustable. Any ideas or just bring it to a shop? Thanks.

08-19-2006, 06:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
Oldsguy Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 2,553	You are right that they are not adjustable, like cheys are. But you can be sure that all the rockers are tightened down to the torque specs. I doubt that would fix it, you probably have worn vavle train/collapsed lifters/ etc. Try the torque first though. __________________ Dan '46 2 door

08-30-2006, 07:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
PetChemMan Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 68	Although not the problem in this case, I've had good luck using Rislone oil additive to stop noisy hydraulic valve lifters. Although I view most of these "mouse milk" additives with suspicion, Rislone has worked for me on three or four occasions. It works when the noise is due to varnish or sludge deposits in the lifters. __________________ Love those Starfires

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08-23-2006, 08:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
HWYSTR455 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 16	If the studs are press in, then you can also tap on the top of the stud to ensure they're seated all the way. (I forget if they're screw in or press in studs). You could also check for a bent pushrod. (aside from Oldsguy's collapsed lifter thought). I've also seen on fresh guides on rebuilt heads that they are a little tight and hang slightly, which in time will go away. Does it idle rough or have a noticeable miss? If not, just live with it if you can.

08-24-2006, 07:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
57teebyrd Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 11	Thanks for the replies, I went ahead and changed all the pushrods, rockers and pivots and she's as quite as a mouse! Thanx again!