• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Rebuilt engine making clicking sound

  • Thread starter Thread starter 66stangbluework
  • Start date Start date Aug 13, 2005
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 13, 2005
#1
  • Aug 13, 2005
  • #1
We just tried to fire up our rebuilt 289 today and we have a clicking sound coming from the front of the engine. We removed the fan belt and the sound continued so this rules out the water pump. We adjusted all the valves so its nothing to do with them I dont think.

Is it safe to assume its something related to the oil pump? Oil is bieng pumped through the valves and everything seems to be going fine except for the sound. I suppose it could also be something to do with the timing chain but im not sure what. We had the engine completely gone through at a machine shop so I would like to think its something on our end that got messed up.


Would it be possible to have a bolt that is too long hitting the timing chain or gear something like that. Thank you All help appreciated.
 
1

1Bad67

New Member
Apr 2, 2005
52
0
0
Aug 13, 2005
#2
  • Aug 13, 2005
  • #2
There are several things that could cause the noise that you describe Here's a few things to check. Exhaust leak at the header gasket, Arcing plug wire, If you put in roller rockers with stock valve covers the rockers can come in contact with the valve covers. Also were the small plugs installed in the oil galley under the intake - if not you'll have very little oil pressure.
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 14, 2005
#3
  • Aug 14, 2005
  • #3
its not really that kind of a sound, its something internal clicking or rubbing on something as it moves around.
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 14, 2005
#4
  • Aug 14, 2005
  • #4
is it possible to put the oil pump shaft in backwards, If so would this lead to a clicking/ wierd sound in the engine?
 
M

mustangdave

My rearend needs a stud and two nuts.
Founding Member
Feb 26, 2002
2,976
1
56
North Carolina
Aug 14, 2005
#5
  • Aug 14, 2005
  • #5
Timing chain interference is common with 351W but I have not heard of the problem with 289's. If you cannot figure it out soon, remove the timing chain cover and look for marks where something has been rubbing. Different timing chain sets have different offsets and the aftermarket doesn't know what the hell they are doing when supplying parts like this for Fords.
 

pabear89

Active Member
Apr 15, 2003
2,126
0
46
High in the Hills of So Ca with the Voices in My H
Aug 14, 2005
#6
  • Aug 14, 2005
  • #6
Check the fuel pump drive, if you didn't get the locking tang in place or tork the bolt, it will rattle loose.
Or is the fuel pump the proper one, correct arm lenght.


PB
 
G

grego37

New Member
May 12, 2004
576
0
0
Fresno CA
Aug 15, 2005
#7
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #7
use a piece of hose.
Hold one end to your ear, and with the other in your hand listen for the sound moving the hose around.
This will help you pin point the general area to focus on.

Did you break in the cam and lifters properly?
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 15, 2005
#8
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #8
we primed the oil pump, but not sure about the cam and lifters. Oil pressure is good Im going to try the hose thing tonight.
 
T

TOM B

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 15, 2002
872
1
16
Harrisburg Pa
Aug 15, 2005
#9
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #9
Check the simple things first,,, is the dist cap on correct or the rotor hiting the cap.
did you install the oil slinger the right way, if not then when you installed the damper the slinger would crush against the timing chain.
Does it make the noise when just cranking the engine. if so, pull out the dist. and crank it again. Some fuel pumps tick before they go out, if its new and it ticks, take it back now. could be a lifter that wont pump up, if you adjusted them again and found one loose then also check that the the lifter studs didnt pull out.
 

302 coupe

Founding Member
Mar 2, 2000
1,952
3
36
Macon, Ga.
Aug 15, 2005
#10
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #10
you're not sure if you broke in the cam and lifters? That doesn't sound good.... You could have wiped a cam lobe flat, that'll make it tick for sure.
 
G

grego37

New Member
May 12, 2004
576
0
0
Fresno CA
Aug 15, 2005
#11
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #11
were the cam and lifters new?

how much running time are on the cam and lifters?

What was included in the rebuild?
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 15, 2005
#12
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #12
too be honest Im not sure of breaking in the cam and lifters, Im assuming that the shop did this but dont know. Included in the rebuild was new cam, pistons, rings, everything bearings etc. All new components.
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 15, 2005
#13
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #13
running time on the cam would be like 5 minutes tops.
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 15, 2005
#14
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #14
my dad wanted me to ask, If its possible to take the oil pump shaft out with a magnet from the top of the engine. Hes not sure if he put it in the right way.
 
T

TOM B

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 15, 2002
872
1
16
Harrisburg Pa
Aug 15, 2005
#15
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #15
If the oil pump rod was installed correctly then your answer wound be no.
The rod needs to be installed from the bottom with the ring clip to the top.
This clip prevents the rod from pulling out when you remove the distributor.
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 15, 2005
#16
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #16
I ran that by my dad and he said that the ring moves up and down so you would be able to pull it out partially even if it was installed incorrectly but not all the way. Im definately thinking its oil pump related. Thanks for all he input. Also how would you break in the cam/lifters. We primed the oil pump but is there more your supposed to do than that?
 

iskwezm

10 Year Member
May 24, 2005
4,159
20
79
Rowland Heights,California
Aug 15, 2005
#17
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #17
66stangbluework said:
I ran that by my dad and he said that the ring moves up and down so you would be able to pull it out partially even if it was installed incorrectly but not all the way. Im definately thinking its oil pump related. Thanks for all he input. Also how would you break in the cam/lifters. We primed the oil pump but is there more your supposed to do than that?
Click to expand...
to break in a cam,get it started,DO NOT LET IT IDLE,you run the engine at 1500-2500 rpm for 20-30 minutes.When you let a new engine idle,the lifters dont spin and go flat,ASK ME HOW I KNOW(different reason) after that you change the oil to get all the moly lube out and then drive the car for a 100 miles and then change the filter(only)this is what I did after a week of chasing a ghost in my new engine.
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 15, 2005
#18
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #18
could the fact that the cam isnt broken in be causing this sound? Also how long would you think I had to run the car at idle to mess up the cam
 
6

66stangbluework

New Member
May 5, 2005
113
0
0
Aug 15, 2005
#19
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #19
also is it normal for a new engine to get very hot during its first run? Im going to ge kicking myself for a long time if i !#@$ed up the cam.
 

iskwezm

10 Year Member
May 24, 2005
4,159
20
79
Rowland Heights,California
Aug 15, 2005
#20
  • Aug 15, 2005
  • #20
66stangbluework said:
could the fact that the cam isnt broken in be causing this sound? Also how long would you think I had to run the car at idle to mess up the cam
Click to expand...
a few minutes
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

O
Sooty/Oily Front Engine & Pulleys
  • ozenator
  • Jun 15, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
12
Views
299
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 22, 2026
Blackhawkxx
J
'04 3.8L V6 mineral deposits and oil on #3 cylinder. Does it need a rebuild or something simpler?
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 18, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
303
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jul 24, 2026
gkomo
SBF rebuild with no oil pressure NEED HELP
  • Falcon67
  • May 27, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
319
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- May 27, 2025
horse sence
L
95 gt engine vibration
  • lenzgt
  • May 11, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
6
Views
223
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech May 26, 2026
lenzgt
L
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
965
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?