65' motor ticking/knocking

bendmartin 64 1/2

New Member

Feb 9, 2012

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Feb 9, 2012

#1

• Feb 9, 2012

• #1

I have a 65 Mustang. The original motor was a 270 but was swapped out for a 302 . The motor ticks/knocks at idle and the ticking speeds up with acceleration. It sounds like the ticking is coming from under the valve cover. I've heard sticky lifters are common in older motors but I'm not sure. The car was stored in 86'. I pulled it out about 6 months ago and went to work. Unfortunately it was stored with ALL of its fluids. After 26 years of sitting, you can imagine.. After draining the "oil" out of the motor. I dumped another 5 quarts straight through it. I then filled it and ran it for a bit and changed it again. The motor ran smooth and "quiet" for a while and then the ticking started. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

gikort

Member

Nov 26, 2010

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Feb 9, 2012

#2

• Feb 9, 2012

• #2

Could be the lifters. You can also check the rocker arms to make sure one hasn't come loose.

 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"

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Oct 10, 2001

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Feb 9, 2012

#3

• Feb 9, 2012

• #3

You may want to try running the engine with a strong oil detergent to try and disolve the gum which may have formed in the lifters.

 

Hack

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Mar 23, 2004

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Feb 11, 2012

#4

• Feb 11, 2012

• #4

Depending on your skills, you have options. Replacement lifters aren't that expensive. You can pull the intake, valve covers and rockers and replace the lifters with new ones. If you run an engine with lifters making noise for very long you might damage the cam. I'd think you could easily swap out the lifters in a day if that's all you're doing.

 

M

MitchGT

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Apr 1, 2005

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Feb 12, 2012

#5

• Feb 12, 2012

• #5

could also be a leaking exhaust manifold (I know that sounds odd, but it's true). It would not cost anything to tighten up the exhaust bolts....

 

Hack

15 Year Member

Mar 23, 2004

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Feb 12, 2012

#6

• Feb 12, 2012

• #6

MitchGT said:

could also be a leaking exhaust manifold (I know that sounds odd, but it's true). It would not cost anything to tighten up the exhaust bolts....

Click to expand...

Could be, but normally exhaust leaks most on initial startup and lessens as the motor gets warmer. His symptoms were opposite.

 

woodsnake

15 Year Member

Jan 16, 2007

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Hicksville, NY

Feb 12, 2012

#7

• Feb 12, 2012

• #7

+1 for checking the exhaust manifolds though, too..

 

PoppyMod

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Jun 27, 2010

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Severna Park, MD

Feb 13, 2012

#8

• Feb 13, 2012

• #8

Hi,
Outside of re-torquing the exh. manifolds, you might pull both covers and watch the valve train action at idle. Look for similar rhythmic actions for each. Check that all push rods are flowing oil. Also, It's quit possible the noise will gradually go away if the lifters are not fully pumping up. Prolong idling and driving may cause them to "free up"? Good Luck!

 

bendmartin 64 1/2

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Feb 9, 2012

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Feb 17, 2012

#9

• Feb 17, 2012

• #9

Wow thanks for all the tips guys! I think I am going to give seafoam a try. I've heard it works really well for sticky lifters. I will also check the exhaust manifold. After I run the seafoam I will take the covers off and check out the valve train. I'll let you know how it went. Thanks again!