The unfindable tapping noise

[dogfishguzzler]

definetly will buy something besides paper

[dave2953]

I use a Felpro gasket that has metal on the manifold side. I have ramhorn manifolds instead of headers, but these hold up extremley well.

[dogfishguzzler]

Well I replaced the gaskets last night and I still got the tick. Ive checked the flywheel too, no teeth missing; balancer looks ok; still havent replaced the fuel pump although I did buy one. Now Im getting worried I guess tonight Ill do the fuel pump and check the timing chain after that I have no idea what to do besides take it to the local old school and let him check it out. Thanks guys for all your ideas.

[snj8198]

Originally Posted by dogfishguzzler

Ive already done some open complaining about this so some of you knew this was coming but heres what I got.

I have a tapping/clicking noise but not at idle or higher rpms, its like low to mid range. I dont have a tach so I cant give any specifics about the range. I have a saginaw four speed (not sure about the rear end) but when Im going around 40-45; Im guessing around 1800-2200 rpms the ticking is very distinct but its not constant, its more like its on a wave or a harmonic if that makes any sense kind of in and out in a very smooth pattern or wave. I bought a stethescope and found one loose rocker which helped but today I started my truck beside a wall and I could hear it very good once I gave it a little gas. Im axious to fix this since it worries me. If Im just being paranoid that would be great but I think somethings up lol. Any insight on things to check would be killer. Thanks guys!

If the sound is a ticking/tapping noise that comes and goes, varies with RPM, and is more prominent around 2000rpm like you stated then you have a flat cam lobe. The inconsistant tapping you described along with none at idle or higher speeds is axactly what I hunted for till I checked the cam and sure enough, wiped lobe on #1E.

[hgs_notes]

Although I hate to mention it, when a connecting rod bearing is fried or the cap is loose, it will make an inconsistant tapping. Mostly when under load. I had a cap that cracked on an engine rod and needed to nurse it home (didn't make it), that's what I found.

Best of luck,
HG

[fast50ranger]

I had the same problem with my 427. The main bearings were shot.

[dogfishguzzler]

Its funny you say that because I was just coming to post that I noticed something today, it only does it when its NOT under a load. If Im going up a hill or just accelerating I usually dont even hear it. I bought this truck under the assumption that the engine only had 400 miles on it Im getting the feeling I was lied to If I tear into the engine and find that I was lied too then I WILL post his name here since he does alot of selling of these old trucks but I will make damn sure before I do. Thanks guys and hang in there, with yalls help I will get to the bottom of this.

*edit*
Can I check the rod bearings just buy dropping the pan?

[dogfishguzzler]

Oh well I was just laying under my truck with a steth and good news I heard nothing from the oil pan area HOWEVER something caught my eye and I notice that the tail pipe is spitting water so I guess I get to pull heads off!

[70rs/ss]

Not necessarily, fuel gets water in it, if you smell the exhuast, does it smell sweet or have white smoke? If not, dont pull the head unless you just want to. If you have a flat lobe you would hear a popping. You can pull the pan and look for a blueish colored cap (if the bearing is thrashed the rod cap will discolor from the heat). Good luck.

[dogfishguzzler]

It does have white smoke but very wispy not real thick

[snj8198]

The exhaust should have a little water coming out. Remember CO and H2O are by products of fuel cumbustion. So don't go yanking the heads off just yet.

[dogfishguzzler]

yeah Ive decided to wait until tommorow, I forgot to check the oil for milk anyway so tonight is beer and tears lol. You guys keep giving me your wisdom cause I need it.

BTW Steve I have a friend in Kalispell. last name Fumich.

[snj8198]

small world. enjoy the frosties.

[dogfishguzzler]

btw this water was enough to leave two wet patches on my driveway

[snj8198]

after idleing for a while? If you had more compression it would spit further!

[dogfishguzzler]

lol figures youd say that! I got a good three feet anyway

[Rdrdave]

Maybe an exhaust leak or cracked header/manifold. i have a large crack in mine...gives it character! Ticks but really helps get the exhaust cracking when I let go of the gas and it vacuums. NIIIIIICE.