I have a 1949 F-1 with the V-8 Flathead in it. I recently got it to run very good except there is one probem, there is a ticking noise in one of the valves or the lifters. I dotn want to pull the whole motor apart, but does anyone have any "old tricks" to get this problem out of the motor? Also when it runs it smokes very blue, and smokes a lot. Oh yeah and could any one tell my why when I try to hook up the alternator it burns the wires right off? The whole motor has been converted to 12 volt if that helps. Thanks in advance.

 

Sorry But You May Have To Pull The Manifolds To Get To The Tappets To Adjust Them,one Or More May Need To Be Adjusted.blue Smoke If Engine Has Not Been Run In Years It May Need To Run Awhile To Reseat The Rings Or It May Be Time To Rebuild If Engine Warms Up And Oil Pressure Drops Low I Would Recommend Rebuild.

Late Reply I Didn't Know That This Forum Included Flatheads. :-x17

 

Standard Flatheads didn't come with adjustable tappets you had to set the gap by grinding the valve stem although adjustable lifters were and still are available as a aftermarket upgrade

I would remove the inlet manifold turn the engine over by hand (with the plugs out), you may be able to see if you have a stuck valve or a broken spring.
Could it be the fuel pump or push rod ?

I agree with Lymant on the smoking, a compression test may tell you a bit more

No idea what could cause the wire to burn

Good Luck

Stephen

 

On the wire burning from alternator. Positive or Negative ground? If truck is Pos. and alt. is Neg. that could do it.