I have a 1951 Ford F1 with a 239 flathead V8. It has recently developed a tick. As you increase rpm the nick become louder. People have told me the old flatheads had valve noise. When I bought this one, it did not unless if was cold. Could I have a keeper gone of a valve spring or is this somewhat normal?

 

The chances of a keeper falling off are practically nil. Most likely its from a little extra lash on one valve or a lifter that's hanging up in its bore, or a worn cam lobe, or........... No matter, it won't likely hurt anything until it's time for an overhaul.

Turn your radio up.

 

Should I put in a can of STP to see if it quiets the lifter? When I purchased the truck, the motor had a fresh overhaul. I have only put 1000 miles on it since that.

 

Scooter -

A little STP never hurt an engine, although I think the stuff is over-rated a bit. I think 1000 miles on a rebuild is a bit early to have any problems. If the clicking gets progressively worse, my vote is a cam lobe wearing down.
Short of that, I like Mike's answer about turning the radio up.

 

My last flathead started a little ticking not too long after rebuild, and stayed that way til torn down 22,000 miles later. Valve lash not quite right probably, but I've been told by others from the flathead's era (my dad for one) that it was pretty common. I couldn't find any valve problems, but my block was cracked in the combustion chamber, totally not related to the valve ticking. It never got any louder at higher rpm, just a faster ticking. I considered it the flatty's heartbeat.

Scott

 

I've never had a flathead, but let me chime in with my $.02 worth. My nearly rebuilt Y-block 272 had a problem with oil to the overhead valve train (yes I know there is no such thing on a flatty) and my mechanic suggested removing the whole setup and R&R it so that the oil would flow. Not having the money available, I declined. Shortly after that I put in a quart of Slick 50. It is full of cleaning solvents. A few months later, I had occasion to remove the valve covers and I noticed the oil flow was substantially better to the valves. I believe the solvents in the Slick 50 helped desolve some gunk that was clogging up my oil passages. So, maybe a small investment of 12-15 bucks would help get rid of the ticks. Jag

 

I assume you don't have adjustable lifters in the flatty? That would be too obvious! Some are proned to losing their setting. Did the "fresh overhaul" include a new cam and lifters, or just a valve grind?

Mine made a ticking/clicking noise and was found to be from varnish built up in the lifter bores. Shouldn't be the case if your engine was vatted properly.

In any event, one of the good things about flatties is that by pulling the intake manifold, without even draining the coolant, you have complete access to the valve train. Take a look! If there is something wrong, you'll catch it early. If not, you'll know it's nothing to worry about for a couple hours' work and the cost of a new gasket.

 

Adjustable lifters, that reminds me too as I'm getting ready to do this. If your lifter bosses were drilled for adjusting the lifters, and whoever did the work didn't do a quick clean up hone in the lifter bore, there might be enough of a metal shard or tang still attached to the block but keeping the lifter from falling back down, sticking like the varnish would cause too.

Scott

 

Hello, I had some ticking in my 226 6cylinder flathead. I ended up oiling lifters with 3 in one oil for a couple days. Checking the valves for free movement and checking all with a feeler gauge. What ever I did it worked. It could be some gunk got up in there. Hope this helps. dylan1952

 

Dylan, what surprised me when I pulled my lifters was how rough-machined the bores were. They are a natural trap for varnish (in between the machine marks).