hello everyone i have a 1976 oldsmobile 98 with a 455 that has developed a knocking sound that me and me dad believe is caused from a lifter that leaked down while i was driving. so if this is the case what would be involved in the repair? this is my only transportation besides my motorcylce and would like to get it running as fast as possible but i want to do it right. i plan on replacing all the top end gaskets since it will be apart and also the valve stem seals but what else should i do? is their any brand preference? any help would be greatly appreciated. also i am on a slightly limited budget.

 

Bad lifters usually make a ticking sound, not a knocking sound, and usually leak down while sitting, not while driving.

Have you removed the valve covers and checked to see if you have a collapsed lifter?

- Eric

 

You'll also 'feel' a bad lifter, as that cylinder will be dead.
As said, pull the valve covers, inspect rockers and stands, check for a broken spring/bent pushrod, and I'd start it, looking for correct rocker arm travel - could be a wiped lobe on the cam!
But, as said, could be a lot of things!

 

will be pulling the valve covers today. i'll post what i find.

 

Let us know what you find.

 

Today's almost over, waiting!!!!

 

well, sorry i haven't updated in a while things have been hectic at home, i pulled the passenger valve cover last night which i thought was the one causing the problem but i can't find anything wrong so if the storm isn't coming tonight i will pull the drivers side and see what i find out after cranking it a lil. wish me luck.

 

Last time I thought I had a bad lifter I ended up rebuilding the bottom end

 

damn i hope that's not the case, i'm looking at buying a truck so i have some transportation. my old pickup went boom. and my cars broke so idk what to do, i found an f150 cheap enough that i can afford to work on my car. any input???