Engine problems...part 2

simonjrwinter · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 05:14 AM

I posted a few days ago about a rocker coming loose...
http://www.clubcobra.com/t47935.html
I've put the rocker back on, adjusted it (checked the pushrod as well) and it starts and runs fine, problem is I seem to have a rattle ! it seems to be coming from the camshaft area. It's only slight, but I'm sure its there. If I rev the engine to about 2,000rpm I'm getting a noise as well.
The engine has a stroker crank, h-beam rods, stud girdle, world windsor sr heads etc. I thought I'd built it to last but now I'm just so da** depressed about it.
A friend of mine (who hasn't listened to it yet) thinks I'm just being paraniod. What the h**l could it be?
Thanks in advance
Simon

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 06:00 AM

Did you check the other rocker arms and adjust the lash on them as well?

simonjrwinter · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 06:03 AM

Ok been back out, checked all the roller rockers for adjustment, started it, and there IS a noise. It's kind of metallic and coming from underneath the intake (camshaft) area. The engine starts, ticks over and runs fine, but shouldn't make a noise like this.

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 06:03 AM

Simon...your friend could be right also. In times like this, the mind seems to pick up noises that were always there...

If I were you, I'd just check ALL the other rocker arms, adjust your valves again, and button it up.

If it's really getting to you, take an automotive stethoscope and check a few areas.

simonjrwinter · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 06:15 AM

Check and adjusted the lash on all the rockers, yep

HighPlainsDrifter · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 10:20 AM

hi,
You may want to pull off the intake manifold and check the lifter hold down bars for the roller lifters, there is an octapuss spring that hold them in place and could be bent. Cheep insurance to look.
Perry.

Cobra20646 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 12:27 PM

Have to agree with Perry. With nothing holding the lifter in place, it could have become damaged. Pull the intake and take a closer look.

- Jim -

simonjrwinter · #8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 03:17 PM

Hi guys, they aren't roller lifters, just normal hyraulic lifters

Bluesman · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 04:03 PM

When I changed to stainless roller rockers, I noticed a rattle/ticking sound. It was nothing more than the rocker tapping on the oil splash plate, up inside the valve cover. I smushed the plate just a tad and the noise was gone. I hope your fix is that easy. Good luck.

simonjrwinter · #10 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 01:14 AM

I wish it was, I ran the engine with the rocker covers off to listen for noises, but there was not a sound coming from them (either side)

Bonos · #11 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 05:08 AM

simon,
You should use a stethoscope to listen to sound to better isolate
what you think you are hearing. just a suggestion that i have tried and found to to be very useful.
Bonos

Okiesnake · #12 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 05:42 AM

Simon,
Please clairify - you said you ran the engine with the rocker covers off to listen for noises, but there was not a sound coming from them (either side) - did you mean that the rattle noise could not be heard with the covers off or that the noise was simply not coming from the rocker arm assembly?

simonjrwinter · #13 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 06:09 AM

yes it could still be heard, but the rocker assy itself was quiet

blykins · #14 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 06:12 AM

You need to let someone else who has messed around with engines just come over and listen to it. What you're hearing may be a figment of your imagination. You may just be listening too hard.

Does it sound like lifters pecking?

simonjrwinter · #15 (**permalink**) 12-11-2003, 10:38 AM

Maybe what I need is sidepipes! just to stop me listening too hard to the engine. I wear eaplugs on the m/cycle for the same reason