I'm thinking of buying a 1952 F1 as it has a flathead V8 in it. Here is the problem I facing with it. The truck does run or it did when he parked it. He said it run very good. When it idle's it has no noises, but when you give it some gas he said it has a little knocking sound to it. The oil pan is off of it know b/c he check the rod bearings. He said they check out fine. Then he said it might be the rod that runs the fuel pump. Could this be the slight knocking noise he is hearing. Then I had a guy tell me to check the water pumps. he said they could make a noise to. The truck only does this when you give it the gas not at a idle. I'm new a the flathead game right so I hope it is nothing major, b/c it does run good. What do you guys think it may be. Any help would be GREAT!! Scott

 

Did he check the center main as I find them to go on the Y's as well before the rods.

 

Scott, I'd put it back together and run it carefully until you can diagnose where the noise is coming from. It's really hard for anyone to diagnose something you've never heard and some third party is describing from memory. You got some good advice in the 48-60 column.

If it is the fuel pump push rod, it rides on a cam lobe. It could be the cause of a ticking sound, but I wouldn't classify it as knocking.

Also could be piston slap, wrist pin issues, valve sticking and being slapped by the lifter, etc. I've never heard waterpumps make a knocking sound...........

If it's any consolation, my merc flatty has had a ticking sound for the past 20,000 miles. Best of luck with it.

 

Sounds like a wrist pin. Keep in mind that a flattie doesn't have big thick heads to muffle any minor engine sounds. Even a timing knock can sound like the end of the world. A rule of thumb is, if you can't hear it with the hood closed, don't worry about it. But check the timing.

 

Thanks for all the good advise. I will worry about it more when I get it home and can take a look at it. Thanks Scott