[coupesix]

Hi Everyone,


I love these cars just when you think everything is running great. I have a tapping sound coming from my valve cover (drivers side) the faster I accelerate of course the faster the tapping sound. Could it be one of my rockers coming loose? Let me hear your ideas and a possible fix. Do I need to have my heads rebuilt? I'm going to pull the valve cover off tomorrow and investigate the noise. Thanks for any and all input thanks guys. Dan

 

[coupesix]

I was just looking around the engine bay and noticed my pcv valve was knocked off the valve cover creating low oil pressure would that cause the tapping sound I heard? Should I put the pcv valve back on the valve cover and see if that takes care of the problem. I drove the car 4 miles or so before I heard the sound. Thanks for any input. Dan

 

[sixteenpushrods]

The PCV needs to be hooked up, but the it has nothing to do with oil pressure. Usually, the PCV is in the passenger's side valve cover.
Check the rocker adjustment and make sure the engine is full of oil. It is probably something simple.

 

[o.kaufman]

Does this occur just after you start the car (cold start?) If so, let it warm up a bit before driving it, especially now as we are entering the warmer months.

Here are some possibilities concerning the internal mechanics:

*As you said, it could be a loose connection (small chance)

*Your internal bearings are shot and need replacement (possiblity) in which case you may want to rebuild or get a crate (I know too well this case)

*Oil level too low/high
*Something inside the engine (small chance)
*A part is twisted/broken and is causing damage

I hate to say it, but you really should bring it to an engine specialist, preferably one that specializes in vintage ford engines. Ask for a diagnostic and possible solution.

I hope this has helped give you some insight. Let me know what happens

 

[o.kaufman]

Pushrods, beat me to it.

 

[coupesix]

I'll take your advice and look at the car after work tomorrow. Thanks for the input I hope it's something simple. If I cant figure it out I'll need to find a trust worthy mechanic if there is such a thing. Thanks again. Dan

 

[franklinair]

Collapsed hydraulic lifter??

Neil

 

[MarkStang]

Header bolt loosened up will make a heck of a clatter just like you describe.

 

[mainemustang]

Sticking valve/incorrect gap?

 

[Marcs66and06]

I agree heres what I would check first-
1. Exhaust/header bolts
2. Rocker arm
3. Lifters
4. well lets hope theres no 4.

Those are in order of difficulty easiest to hardest and by hardest is still really simple. Save your money do all that first and then if its still something else...time for a rebuild possibly.

 

[oateater]

I agree heres what I would check first-
1. Exhaust/header bolts
2. Rocker arm
3. Lifters
4. well lets hope theres no 4.

Those are in order of difficulty easiest to hardest and by hardest is still really simple. Save your money do all that first and then if its still something else...time for a rebuild possibly.

One more thing to add to the list is to check inside your valve cover at the oil fill splash shield. These things are getting old and some of the welds are begining to break causing the shield to bend down from serviceing oil, and then the rocker arm starts hitting it. I had this happen to me and it drove me crazy looking for the noise.

 

[borrows123]

I will beat you..
No need to worry that you are the only champ...

 

[GT350R Klone]

Exhaust leak between the head and the header/exhaust manifold can really mess with your mind, in terms of it sounding like valve train noise.

Loose rocker, hopefully an adjustment, perhaps a pushrod or lifter and not something really bad.

Where in CA are you? If you are in the Sacramento area, drop me a note. I have a special valve cover with the top cut out so the engine can be started without oil splashing everwhere and perhaps get to the source of the noise quickly.

 

[vernslie]

I agree heres what I would check first-
1. Exhaust/header bolts
2. Rocker arm
3. Lifters
4. well lets hope theres no 4.

Well "coupesix" was there a 4.? What was the fix?

 

[kenash]

+ 1 on the exhaust manifold leak. (check collector gaskets too!)
I went crazy with removing the VCs and intake to see if any lifters came apart. I finally discovered, I had used up the 9th live of the "reusable" Percy aluminum exhaust manifold gaskets. I replaced them with FelPros, the noise vanished.
In diagnosing this, I purchased a mechanics stethoscope and let me tell you, that tool is extremely sensitive.
Good Luck!