Sorry I'm a Newb to these older vehicles...

So here's my 223 running with what I'm hoping is 127k on it and not 227k... Now I'm 28 and never heard one of these motors run in my lifetime but this 'ol girl sounds like a diesel! Is this the norm, a little rough or a lotta rough, should I do some work before I run it too much? I know these things have flat tappets and higher tension but I figured I'd post this up and let you guys hear it and tell me what you think... She starts up with a flick of the key... the oldest engine I've heard turn over was in an 82 olds! yeah pretty weak I know... But I could strip that thing down and put er back together with no mystery parts! haha

The video makes the ticks sound a lot louder than they really are, my smartphone mic really pics up the sharp noise and not the rest...

YouTube - SNC00423.3g2

My only concern as of now is, is this engine runnin too rough?... and also it may be runnin too rich as I have the smell of gas in the oil when i changed it today (who knows when the last time it was changed, I just bought this truck)... I'm goin to check that out when my new fuel filter and air filter come in tomorrow...

Thanks guys and gals!
Joe

 

As you already stated, 223's have solid lifters, so there will always be the lifter tick. A valve adjustment would be a good start along with a good tune-up. A start up on a cold morning can check for exhuast leaks and manifold cracks which can make it sound rough.

Make sure it runs on all cylinders, pull a plug wire one at a time and see if the idle changes(insulated and grounded pliers or shut off and re-start.)

 

Nice thanks again Andrew! Ok next step is to get my hands on all the literature I can... owners and repair manuals etc, I'm not really sure on how to adjust anything on this engine most of it is probably the same as anything else but I'd rather have somethin to read also..

My fuel and air filter come in tomorrow and I'd like to do plugs, wires and cap next before I start adjusting anything...

I'll pull some plug wires next though, No idea why I didnt think of that! it's been a long time since I've had to do any engine work...

Thanks!

 

Yep she's runnin on all 6 cylinders, strong spark too. my insulated pliers had a small puncture in em haha

 

Does not sound rough, seems to be running pretty smooth. I could not tell from the clip, but is the ticking noise louder on the manifold side or the other side? Sometimes an exhaust leak from a loose manifold bolt, bad gasket, crack, or whatever can make one of these engines sound terrible. A loose spark plug can do the same. As to the smell of gas, these do run a bit rich at idle, so if it has been idled alot, the oil will smell of gas. Especially if the choke is partially closed.

The 223 is a pretty smooth six for its day, but not very quiet by current standards, and a major tune up always included measuring the valve lash. My book gives 0.019" for intake and exhaust (hot).

 

Your engine sounds just fine and yes they do sound a bit like a diesel and run a bit rich at idle. Once the weather warms up treat the engine to a tune up and maybe new plug wires.

Tony
1955 F350 dually, Heil dump, 223 c.i. I-6 1bbl, 4 SYN, 5.83