Just got this old 360 going, it sounds pretty good and tight, only...
Cruising approximately 2800 rpm or so, under no load, and just giving it a little gas, the engine rattles. Not the sound of pre detonation, and not the sound of a heavy rod knock. My guess is a wrist pin. Have you ever had an FE making this sound? Do you think I can have a little faith with this 360?

 

Had this problem with a 330MD. Same symptoms you describe and it was a wrist pin. Drove it about 3-4 months before fixing it.

 

The rattle is pretty light right now, hopefully it lasts for quite a while.

 

If it's a wrist pin it should be good for quite a while. If it starts getting louder use a mechanic's stethescope to pinpoint the location of the noise.

 

The one that I had, would tick anytime the engine was turning, didn't matter if it was idling, or revving. The only way we could find which one was to tear it down. We tried about everything including stethoscope.




John

 

see if it stops ticking when you pull the plug wire, will tell the cylinder where the problem is and if it is rod related, either rod bearing, doubtful, or wrist pin bushing, likely

 

Hmm, good idea.

 

Finally actually got the truck out on the open road for the first time, and luckily, knock on wood, the engine ran very quiet.