edgar86

Hello everyone, I seem to have a slight problem (maybe not so slight). I rebuilt a 302 (out of a 1980 F-100) for my 66' mustang a few months ago and have put about 7000 miles on it; the problem is that it has a ticking/tapping noise at idle and seems to disappear at about 1200 RPM's (maybe because of added engine/fan noise) . I have checked to lifters and cam-lobes for any damage and they appear to be working properly. I have also checked the main and rod bearings for damage and they too are in good condition. My oil pressure is normal (running a high-volume pump) and my fuel pump is new. I also checked out my timing chain and it has a-little slack but I think that is normal. I also tried using heavier oil, 4 quarts 10w40 and one Lucas, the result was an ever louder ticking/tapping. I've also tried shorting out the spark plugs to see if there is any change in the noise; the result is that there is a change but only because of the dropped RPM's, not a reduction in noise. Using a stethoscope the noise is loudest on the bottom of the engine, particularly the front. Besides this ticking problem that I have (very annoying) the engine runs really well and has good acceleration. Any comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Edgar

ziggs

i've heard of 2 engines wif tickin problems, my mates was a broken exhaust manifold gsket very hi pitch noise and we all thought tappets at first.
my engine getts the ticks after i accelerate hard out of coners cos the oil spashes in the sump the pump gets air and my lifters start tickin it takes ages for them to bleed out again. and maybe theres junk in the lifter

northey

it's very hard to say without being there but it is a strong chance of being a leaking manifold or exhaust joint where the engine pipe joins to the exhaust manifold. if you have headers it may be where the header joins the head.

They can sound exactly like ticking tappets.

edgar86

I checked the lifters and they are pumping oil as they should, I must admit that I did have a leaky header but that wasn't the problem (well it was a problem, but not the one I'm trying to solve). After careful examination, I began to listen to the transmission (on bell housing) and the noise seems to be extremely loud in that area. The noise that I hear on top and in front of the engine emanates from the transmission. Could this be my torque converter or front pump? If you have any suggestions, any help will be appreciated. (Sorry it takes me a while to respond, I have finals this weak).

Thank You,
Edgar

ziggs

i'd remove the lower inspection plate and check and make sure all the converter nuts r tight for starters

krankieone

i had a similar type of noise which I couldn't find it ended up being a cracked flex plate i've heard of a couple of similar incedents since then especialy if the engine plate has been removed

__________________
66 mustang 289 some head work stage 3 cam air gap manifold etc

97 TJ wrangler lifted 33" JT etc

04 VY SS Commadore 5.7(wifes)

edgar86

Well, I checked the converter nuts and they all seem to be tight and doing their job. I also inspected the flex plate and discovered a small crack just above one of the teeth on the plate. I also have noticed that when the engine is absolutely cold there is no noise, once it begins to heat up the noise begins again. I've also noticed that when I crank the engine while it's hot the starter gets stuck for a few instances then cranks. Could that little crack on the flex plate be causing all of that noise? Thank you for your comments.

Edgar

keenanf1

Hey Edgar, my mustang was ticking upon startup and then it would fade after a minute or two. I found a solvent additive for the oil called Lifter Cleaner it's by Gunk and only like $2.50 a bottle. Just a cheap suggestion, mine stopped ticking soon after adding it. It even says on the bottle to go to a mechanic if the ticking doesn't stop within 5 minutes of adding it. Just a thought!