engine knock

[JCastellaw]

I have a rebuilt 351w engine and noticed a slight knock. the power steering pump is actually louder than the knock. coulf the valves need adjusting since it is a new engine??? either the valves need adjusting or the lifters are hitting the covers. covers are aluminum and off a 302. any ideas??

[Boba Fett]

Yes valves might need to be adjusted. Probably want to ask on the 302 forum for more info on that....

Here's how you tell if you have a knock.... pull spark plug wires and replace with the engine running.... wear gloves that are good insulators so you dont get zapped.... and go around the distributor cap. If the sound disapears after you pull one of the wires..... you have a knock and need to re-rebuild the engine!

[Boba Fett]

You can check this by driving a short distance with the wire pulled and then back on. If the sound goes away with the wire pulled and then comes back when it's re-attached.... you know what you must do!

[EricJ]

need more info, a knock could be as simple as bad timing or bad gas also.

when do you have the knock? how low a pitch is it? is it a thumping knock or a tinny knock? IS it there at idle, acceleration or deceleration?