Hi

I have an issue with my 455 1970 Toronado.

It seems to tick from the number 8 cylinder rocker. It occurs only under load, so just in drive, and happens from about 1500 rpm and up. It also only occurs when the engine is warm. It started after I had taken my car for a easy trip.

I had changed the oil from 50W when it occurred to 30w. The issue was still there so Im reluctant to drive it. I have read other post in the forum with similar problems but I don't know where to begin.

Also I am sure it is not an exhaust leak as i can hear the ticking noise through the valve cover.

cheers

 

Since you think you know where the noise is coming from pull the valve cover and turn engine till both valves are closed for that set of rockers. Grab the rockers one at a time and try to wiggle. If there is play side to side or up and down they may be worn. Replace the bridge and rockers as a pair if so. You also could have a blocked pushrod causing oil starvation and thus a worn rocker. You can unbolt that set of rockers and pull the pushrod. Make sure the oil holes and tube is not plugged. The problem could still be the lifter. In that case you will need to remove the intake manifold and change the lifter. Sometimes they get gummed up or the retaining clip can break causing problems. Hopefully your lifters are fine cause its a pretty big job removing the manifold. Oh, straight 50WT oil?...Way to thick if its even available....that would quiet engine noises some.....straight 30 wt is fine, 10-30 or 10-40 as well.

 

I drove the Oldsmobile today and have something else to report.

The ticking noise occurs at about 1500 rpm and will remain ticking till about 3500 rpm but after that the sound disappears.

 

Have you pulled the valve cover?
How loud is this "tick"?

Usually people only complain when it is annoying, Cutlass owners at 136 decibels, 442 owners at 43 decibels, Toronado owners at 21 decibels.

PULL THE VALVE COVER.
Jim

 

I like to have a little "tick" in my valvetrain.

Makes the "racers" think I have a solid lifter cam.

Norm

 

Olds Ninety eight owners 12 decibels.
At 20 they will scrap the car.

Do a lifter tick search.

 

I have a very stupid question, how are you hearing it thru the valve cover when it only does it under load? Are you running alongside the car with the hood up?

Yes I'm kidding a little but are you sure it's a valve tick and not a knock or ping? Knock or ping makes sense cuz it only does it under load, only from 1500 to 3500, and only does it when it's warm. Over the years I've had a hundred people tell me "their valves are ticking when they step on the gas". A majority of the time it was pinging from bad fuel and/or wrong ignition timing. Check the timing as well.

 

What i did was someone was in the car reving the motor in gear holding the brake so I was standing to the side of the vehicle, whilst this was happening I noticed a very faint tick coming for the rear of the valve cover.

 

Have you pulled the valve cover yet?

You will be looking for a lifter that does not have enough preload after the engine oil is warm.

Norm

 

Hey;Also inspect the tip of the exh. valve as they are prone to failure.