Hey, what's that sound? + build vid

YouTube - Ford 2.3L clicking noise

Greetings Stangneters, I'm just done "rebuilding" a II for my daughter. I've got the block borred 30 over, installed new bearings/rings/ polished the crank.

I reinstalled the old heads becaused they looked "good enought" but I had that clicking sound
So I bought a new head complete from Marshall engines ... and I still have that dam clacketing sound

Local mech said it was normal, all those 2.3 Ford do that. I don't believe it, so I'm refering the ones that know It seems to be coming from cylinder #1 area. Would it be a problem with my lifter? ... but I have that with both old and new heads. Would it be a clogged oil galley leading to my #1 lifter?

Anyway, what the heck is it and how do I fix it?


Side info:
Initial timing is set @ 14BTDC, manual says 10, but I'm at high alt.

When I stick a vacuum gauge on the front of the intake manifold, the tunel leading to #1 cylinder I have 15" initially, needle is barely flutuating 1/2 inch. After the initial start up vac gradually goes down to 13" and stays there @ 1,000 rpm, warm engine. Maybe a slightly clogged cat? Pressure at the muffler seems pretty strong.

Now I live in Salt Lake, 4,200 feet high. When I gently accelerate engine tops at 17", jumps to 20 when I let go. On a fast rev, gauge goes down to 4". All that sounds normal.

Build vid:
YouTube - Summer's car "rebuild".

Thx for taking the time to read/watch, cheers!

Thx for the fed back, sadly after 600 miles the old heads where stol clashing, and so are the new ones after 100miled.
Ty Delray,


I thought the lash was self adjusting. So there's really nothing I can do, nothing I have to tighten? It's prety loud, I hope I'm not destroying that new engine.

Next week ill get the car to a muffler place just to check it out. Ill loook at the yyard about that manifold too.