Tapping rocker--should I worry?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by scooper77515, Jul 2, 2007.

  1. scooper77515

    scooper77515 No current projects.

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    Seems to be a little more pronounced since I installed the 1.7 roller rockers, but it has always "tap"ed on the number 5 cylinder, at least since I swapped to GT40P heads.

    It is not really bad, just a click that you can hear on every revolution. More pronounced when engine is cold, and at very low speeds (450-700rpms, and YES, the car CAN idle at 450, and it sounds DAMNED good doing it:p ). Once it warms up, it is almost completely gone, and you cannot hear it when it is revving.

    1) Should I worry about it?

    2) What is it caused from?

    3) How can I fix it?

    Been doing it for 2 years now. Today I loosened up the valve cover and lifted it to make sure the rocker wasn't tapping on the cover like it did when I first fired it up with the 1.7s. Had to BFH the baffle to give it clearance.
     
  2. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    Sounds like an exhaust leak. Sure it isn't that?
     
  3. scooper77515

    scooper77515 No current projects.

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    It could be...maybe at the header? I will check that out next time I get it out to run. That side is against the garage wall right now...gotta share the garage with the wife's car now:(
     
  4. Max Power

    Max Power Vintage Ford Mafia

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    I dunno, I think he has changed the exhaust more than once in the last two years. Did you do lifters with the cam?
     
  5. scooper77515

    scooper77515 No current projects.

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    I have an extra header flange between my header and head on that side, with a gasket between each (to clear the spark plugs on the P heads). I could VERY LIKELY have an exhaust leak right at the header flange. The spacer-flange was quite thin in some areas and I bet it is burned through one of the gaskets...
     
  6. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

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    Exhaust ticks like that usually get quieter when hot, metal expands, closes up seepage area. Its all high metallurgy tech,, which I have no idea how to properly explain because of two reasons. 1. I am not very educated and 2. I cant type those words.
    Dan
     
  7. PINKY

    PINKY .....John Ford.....

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    I agree with Craig, sounds like exhuast leak. :)

    my lifters have always made a "sound" :yahoo:
     
  8. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member Supporting Member

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    I think you should use the noise as an excuse to buy a roller cam. :D
     
  9. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

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    If the ticks become like morse code you might dissmantle motor in order to rule out any more of the 7 dwarves appearing on this board.
    Dan
     
  10. scooper77515

    scooper77515 No current projects.

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    I have been fighting the urge to put in a solid roller...so don't tempt me;)
     

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