Hark442

getting ready to pull my 350 fto rip into it and see what is making all this noise. It is like a tick or knock but seems to be in the top half of the motor. I have had the valve covers off and it is not a broken rocker arm. Wrist Pin? any guesses?

oldsonharmont

If you're takin' guesses, maybe it's a bad lifter. How's your oil pressure?

Hark442

Could it be that simple? Loud tick / kknock,,,,,,, worse under load! How loud would a lifter get? bought the car as is to restore - got it running pretty easy. He shut it down and parked it when he heard the noise. Oil pressure is present but I wouldn't call it great.

Blk71SX

numerous times I have heard exhaust manifold leaks sound exactly like valve train noise.

something to check out before a tear down

oldsonharmont

Many years ago I revved a 455 too much and heard a metallic ticking/knock from the motor. An older mechanic heard it and said a lifter had collapsed due to over revving it. After driving it a bit more, the problem went away when supposedly the lifter refilled with oil. I don't know if that's a common experience, but you might try an oil change. The used oil might reveal internal damage if there is any. I've even heard of some folks having their used motor oil analyzed.

70 cutlass s

I don't know about having it analyzed, but when you change your oil if you find metal in it than that's a bad sign. A lot of different things can make that kind of noise. Lifters, bad cam, broke rockers, broke valve spring, bent pushrods, cracked flywheel, exhaust leak and something on the front of motor like the alt. power steering pump, and water pump. Last three are easy to check take the belts off than start it up if it goes away than it's one of them. The best thing to do is use something to locate where the noise is coming from doctors stethoscope is a handy tool for this, or a metal bar of some kind. Just becarefull.

Oldwolf

Knock under load sounds like a bad rod bearing to me, be careful with that one!

Warhead

Tick, or Knock?
From the top, or the bottom of engine.
Use a screwdriver as a sounding device to put your ear to.

Be specific.

Many times on an Oldsmobile, ticking or noisy valve gear can be directly related to broken rocker bridges, or oiling problems due to excessive heat in the center pushrods, because of the exhaust crossover.

Do not be afraid to get some valve cover gaskets, and pull the covers.

Jim

Hark442

I had pulled the rocker covers and there was not a broken bridge or spring. I have used a wooden dowel to listen to the noise. Sound like it is coming from the #1 to #3 cylinder. but high in the motor.

Not sure what else it could be other than a Lifter (but noise seems too loud)

Could be a wrist pin ( piston Slapping )

The noise at Idle sounds like a tick, when reved it sounds like a knock.

Hopefully the motor gets yanked tomorrow and I can get a better Idea of what I have.

Thinking I am going to do a complete rebuild though.

Doug

Warhead

From your description I will go on a limb and say broken piston skirt.

If the noise is from deep down at any time, it will be deep down.
You will truly find out on teardown.
Good luck,
Jim

Hark442

Well the Motor came out of the car yesterday! I just dropped it at the machine shop since they were closing and needed to hurry well I had the use of my friends truck. I guess the Machine shop is going to answer my question in about two weeks when they finally get to my motor.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

On another note what would be a good setup to run with the stock pistons?

Or what would be a good streetable yet more powerful setup If I go through the entire motor?

Hark442

The verdict is in! And we have a winner! Spun a rod bearing! Motor is original bore has had headwork. Hardened valve seals already installed. Will know more details later this week as to what else it needs. Hoping that the motor can retain its original pistons. I'm Dutch and would like to save as much cash as possible!

Hark442

CONGRATS OLD WOLF! You nailed it!

Oldwolf

Nice! Thank´s

Warhead

You win!

70 cutlass s

We have a winner.

suzzeyv

A lot of different things can make that kind of noise.broke rockers, broke valve spring, bent pushrods, cracked flywheel, exhaust leak power steering pump, and water pump.Check with the manual.