Rattle from Engine and Less Power
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Mint Hill, NC
Rattle from Engine and Less Power
The truck had been driving pretty well for quite a while, with the exception of needing to pump the pedal about 20 times before starting.
Now, the truck will still start, but it makes a different, almost "straining" noise when you try. Then, once it starts, it has a weird rattling noise from the engine. The best way I can describe the noise is that it sounds like the radiator fan is off-balance, though I'm 99% certain this isn't it.
Additionally, when I've driven it since this has started (less than five miles), there is a noticeable loss of power, especially in the top of third gear. Could this be pinging/knocking, and if so, what can I do about it?
I was hoping to replace the valve cover gaskets and hammer out the warped valve covers in the next week or two, but now need to address this problem first.
Thanks.
Now, the truck will still start, but it makes a different, almost "straining" noise when you try. Then, once it starts, it has a weird rattling noise from the engine. The best way I can describe the noise is that it sounds like the radiator fan is off-balance, though I'm 99% certain this isn't it.
Additionally, when I've driven it since this has started (less than five miles), there is a noticeable loss of power, especially in the top of third gear. Could this be pinging/knocking, and if so, what can I do about it?
I was hoping to replace the valve cover gaskets and hammer out the warped valve covers in the next week or two, but now need to address this problem first.
Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
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From: Sheffield, AL
"Pumping the pedal about 20 times before starting" is not normal. It sounds like the carburetor [choke] is out of adjustment, at the very least. When has the engine last been tuned up?
Normally, pinging/knocking occur when the engine is under a load and especially if the engine is hot.
It is hard to make a guess at the mystery sound. Keep talking... someone will help you figure this out.
Perhaps give us some more history regarding the truck and what has been done?
Normally, pinging/knocking occur when the engine is under a load and especially if the engine is hot.
It is hard to make a guess at the mystery sound. Keep talking... someone will help you figure this out.
Perhaps give us some more history regarding the truck and what has been done?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
"Pumping the pedal about 20 times before starting" is not normal. It sounds like the carburetor [choke] is out of adjustment, at the very least. When has the engine last been tuned up?
Normally, pinging/knocking occur when the engine is under a load and especially if the engine is hot.
It is hard to make a guess at the mystery sound. Keep talking... someone will help you figure this out.
Perhaps give us some more history regarding the truck and what has been done?
Normally, pinging/knocking occur when the engine is under a load and especially if the engine is hot.
It is hard to make a guess at the mystery sound. Keep talking... someone will help you figure this out.
Perhaps give us some more history regarding the truck and what has been done?
. But rewarding in the end (once you figure it out). good luck!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 133
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From: Mint Hill, NC
Thanks for the response guys.
I bought the truck in September and changed the sparkplugs and wires within a month. I also rebuilt the carburetor myself, which fixed MANY of the problems I was having back then, including replacing the O2 sensor and TPS due to code readings. It's possible that I never got the screws back to the correct position on the carb because adjusting them seemed to make no difference, and like I said, it ran great.
I assume that I should definitely look into the timing situation. How hard would this be for me to adjust myself?
I bought the truck in September and changed the sparkplugs and wires within a month. I also rebuilt the carburetor myself, which fixed MANY of the problems I was having back then, including replacing the O2 sensor and TPS due to code readings. It's possible that I never got the screws back to the correct position on the carb because adjusting them seemed to make no difference, and like I said, it ran great.
I assume that I should definitely look into the timing situation. How hard would this be for me to adjust myself?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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Well... to properly check it you need a timing light but in the past I have loosened the bolt marked the current position and smothed it out a bit. Definitely seek out a timing light if you can or even better a mechanic with a timing light who's in need of a 12 pack. It's pretty quick and simple and someone who knows what to look and listen for can point you in the right direction. hope this helps good luck!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Mint Hill, NC
Thanks rockpile,
Just spoke with a mechanic whose shop is a few doors down. Getting it in there later this week for a timing check/adjustment and finally getting my rebuilt carb tweaked just right. Price? You named it, a 12-pack.
Just spoke with a mechanic whose shop is a few doors down. Getting it in there later this week for a timing check/adjustment and finally getting my rebuilt carb tweaked just right. Price? You named it, a 12-pack.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Mint Hill, NC
Just picked the truck up. Had the timing and carb adjusted. Truck fires up perfectly and runs much better now. The rattling sound is still there though.
The mechanic said that everything looked great except for one of the valves. It appears that the truck is only running on five out of the six. Also needs a new valve cover gasket.
I was planning on replacing the valve cover gasket in the next week or two anyhow. What does a valve adjustment consist of and how difficult is it to do?
The mechanic said that everything looked great except for one of the valves. It appears that the truck is only running on five out of the six. Also needs a new valve cover gasket.
I was planning on replacing the valve cover gasket in the next week or two anyhow. What does a valve adjustment consist of and how difficult is it to do?
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