Update - can't locate source of "ticking" noise in engine

[vincewarde]

NEW INFO: 4-23-13:  Well, we pulled the valve covers and ran the engine at idle.  We were unable to locate the source of the noise, by looking, listening or feeling.  Any other ideas as to what could cause a noise like this? (Alternator, water pump?)

This engine has been rebuilt at least once, could they have been changed?  How would I know if they were?  The engine has valve noise, and I am trying to figure out what it is.  This is the first pushrod engine I have ever worked on.

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Hydralic lifters.   If they have sat for an extended period they can drain down.

Dave

[vincewarde]

Thanks Dave!

Yes it did sit for a long time.  We have run the engine for up to 20 minutes and the noise has not changed.  Before attempting to locate and adjust the valve(s) in question, should we try anything else?  Engine flush, etc.? 

Thanks!

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Have you read this posting yet (How to Mechanically Prepare an RV for the Road)?
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,3977.0.html

It is the best place to start.  Marvel Mystery Oil is one of the best products to use.

Dave

[vincewarde]

Yep, very useful.  This unit was running when I bought it a couple of years ago - but had issues, both with the engine (rebuilt only a short time before by a local shop with an excellent reputation) and the coach.  The engine was rebuilt, but the carb, alternator and starter were not touched - probably because the previous owner didn't want it done.  In fixing this thing up I have discovered a number of issue he created - mostly electrical.  Thankfully I am good at that stuff.

We are getting really close to being done with the "cabin" stuff.  I have fixed the oven, the furnace, water pump and a bunch other stuff.  Generator works great and I moved the solar charger from our previous RV.   I installed a very nice (and large) coach battery and replaced the engine battery too.  There's a solar charge maintainer on that batter too and both batteries have "knife type" disconnect switches that leave only the solar charging systems connected.

On the engine, we have finally (I hope) got the manifolds to seal.  We have replaced the carburetor with a rebuilt unit with a newly cast plastic body, replaced the starter and alternator.  We still need to replace some lines that run to the canister and have a leak in the exhaust system fixed.  Although the brakes were 100% when we parked it, we will look them over too.   Stopping is really important

Of course, we still need to figure out the ticking noise in the engine.  I initially had hoped it was an exhaust leak, but it appears we have that under control.  I am afraid we have lifter problems.....

Thanks to everyone for the help!

[007]

Try adding some marvel mistrey oil , might free up a stuck lifter if thats the problem, atf works also

[vincewarde]

Well - two developments:

1) I have obtained detailed service records from a previous owner.  The engine was completely rebuilt in 2004 (at a cost of $6k!) and has logged only 3000 miles since.  Yes, it has really set.

2) We filled the engine with new oil and a 1 qt. flush and ran it for about 45 minute, then drained the oil and put in clean.  We also fixed the exhaust manifold leaks - and the "ticking noise" remains unchanged.

So, now I have to decide if we will tear it appart, or try another flush..... any input would be appreciated.

[Lefty]

I'd remove the valve cover on the side that's ticking. You can use a length of rubber hose as a stethescope to determine which side that is if you cannot tell. Just stick the hose in your ear and then touch the other end to the valve cover while it's running.
Look for any rocker arm shafts that are loose or push rods that are bent or missing. If it is a collapsed lifter, the only option is to replace it. Individual lifters can be purchased at Napa. Soak the new lifter submerged in clean oil, and depress it a few times with a pushrod while submerged to work the air out of it. When it doesn't bubble anymore it is primed and ready for installation (an hour or two soaking).

[vincewarde]

NEW INFO: 4-23-13: Well, we pulled the valve covers and ran the engine at idle.  We were unable to locate the source of the noise, by looking, listening or feeling.  Any other ideas as to what could cause a noise like this? (Alternator, water pump?)

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Are you sure you do not have an exhaust leak?   A leak at a cylinder port can somewhat sound like a lifter tapping.  It is a tick tick sound.  440's are notorious for header exhaust leaks.

Dave

[vincewarde]

There isn't a leak large enough to see any gases coming out - we have looked from the top and the bottom.  Also, when the manifold bolt loosened up and other leaks were visible, there was no change in the sound.  We have had the headers off several times and there is no sign of a leak.

[ibdilbert01]

You mean these old engines aren't suppose to tick?  W%

[Surfinhurf]

Did you check your oil for metal flakes? After sitting that long, you might of burnt a rod bearing before oil started flowing.

HURF

[007]

pull all the belts off . that elimantes alt ,  waterpump, ac, ps ect . check flywheel(by shaking) and torque converter bolts (eyeball or wrench). should be able to zoom in on it the tick , with vacume hose in the ear trick  as lefty said  with the belts off works even better , gets rid of the fan / wind noise. fuel pump ticking?? worn rocker arm , keep looking you'll find it.

[Froggy1936]

Other wierd noises found over 60 yrs of searching, Cracked flexplate (automatic only) Dipstick or tube hitting crank  Severly bent connecting rod hitting bottom of cly bore Loose vibration dampner outer ring and any mistake made wile assy was apart  Good luck And a long wodden handle screwdriver will do the same as the hose ! But this is not for moving parts ! Hm?