Silvester Posted June 16, 2012 Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 Hello everyone! Not too long since I sold my 74, but i'm looking to get into a 78 now. Owner describes there is a clattering sound when engine is running... Car is FAR away and i wont be able to hear it until i pick it up (if i do). Iim assuming this is top end lifters? If not/so what will it take to get this fixed? All help is appreciated! Sly tuna Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 (oh! and the owner says he has been running it like that for some time) Sly tuna Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 16, 2012 Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 Could be the timing chain too. Take some wrenches with you and adjust the lifters. If it quiets then that was it. http://community.ratsun.net/topic/16539-l-series-valve-adjustment/ Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 This is pretty intimidating as I've never done this before! Can i still run the motors for 800 miles before I can do the adjustment at home? Shit i've never even adjusted the timing before... Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 16, 2012 Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 If you haven't adjusted the timing then changing a timing chain will be really hard. Better to find out before you buy and take home. Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 If you haven't adjusted the timing then changing a timing chain will be really hard. Better to find out before you buy and take home. Changing a timing chain will be hard because of my inexperience or because the timing has't been adjusted? :) Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 16, 2012 Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 Lets just say setting the valves is less work and less tools. The valve lash has nothing to do with the timing chain. Replacing the timing chain requires the rad and the front of the motor to be removed to get at it.... and $70-$100 for the timing chain set. Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 Thanks, King Rat. You're always a great help :) That video posted was Magic! Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Hello again guys! Just finished doing the valve adjustment both hot and cold and i'm still getting that exact clattering sound from the video. I did however notice that all the valves were between .005 and .007 which is nowhere near spec. ( of course they are now set to spec and still clattering) I'm going to do the timing and see if that fixes it. Any other thoughts on this? Your help is much appreciated Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Why do you think the noise is caused by the timing chain? Is the timing chain of out spec? How much play is in the adjuster? Have you adjusted the chain? It could be the chain, or could be something else. For example, a cracked exhaust manifold can mimic ticking valves. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 I find that a cracked manifold is louder or softer depending on engine load. While the valve cover is off check for a broken spring. I see you don't have a stock fuel pump... is the arm running on the cam eccentric or hitting the cam sprocket as it turns??? Sometimes people take the pump off and forget the spacer. Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 You tell me :) I'm not sure. The second picture doesn't look right. No springs look to be broken. Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Here is what it sound like Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 It don't sound like a chain problem. If the fuel pump does not have the 1/4 thick spacer between it and the head, fit it. In the photo one of the cam lobes look rusty. That can cause a worn follower which will clatter even if the lash is correct. Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 HAINZ, where are you? Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 I just put a stethescope up to it and the loudest part is coming from the front of the valve cover where the fule pump arm hits. Does anything look off there? Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 It has the 1/4" Spacer from block to fuel pump Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Excellent data gathering -- stethoscope! Move the fuel pump arm with your finger. Is it weakly touching the orbital, or has a good spring action holding it to the orbital? Sometime the spring breaks in the fuel pump. It's never happeend to me so I'm not sure what it would sound like. Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 its touching the orbital pretty damn firmly and the spring in the fuel pump looks in great shape. The previous owner installed it. Its making me wonder... Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 You could temporary remove the fuel pump, and start the engine on the gas in the carb. It will run about 30 seconds maybe. But it will tell you about the cause. Not sure how much oil run out, probably some spray. Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 With the stethescope it seems as if the sound is coming directly from the center of the orbital Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Took the fuel pump out and it still clatters without the fuel pump.... Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Well i give up for tonight! Please tune in Hainz and Mike. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 26, 2012 Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 Hmmm try the stethoscope on each individual rocker arms while running. Right side is likely easiest. Quote Link to comment
Silvester Posted June 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2012 I just went out and tried again, both left and right side of the valve cover on each rocker arm, but its still coming "loudest" from the very front of the valve cover near the orbital Quote Link to comment
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