I drive a 1965 f100 with a 390. I just returned from Afghan and was planning on selling the truck when I got back, but a few weeks after returning I noticed a clicking noise coming from the passenger side of the engine that wasn't there before I left. The oil level is good (needs changed though) and the the oil pressure is reading fine. There were no issues with it before I left, but it was running pretty rough when I returned. I changed out the plugs, wires, and air filter and adjusted the carb which has helped tremendously (still not as smooth though). I'm going to change out the oil this week, but I'm concerned I'm about to lose the engine before I can sell it. Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

 

Did you do anything with the exhaust? New headers? Repaired or replace exhaust manifold? The ticking noise could be an exhaust leak. Check into it.

 

Well if it changed when you tuned the carb its probably not an issue with the internals of the engine. Try changing the oil.

 

We're you gone long enough for the gas to go bad and stick a valve ?????6 months or more would do it

 

As original, FoMoCo did not install exhaust manifold gaskets (manifold to head) on trucks with FE engines, just stainless steel heat shields.

Over time a ticking noise (exhaust leak) developed, so peeps went to autoparts stores and bought Victor or Fel-Pro gaskets.

Nothing lasts forever, if the truck has these gaskets, they prolly need to be replaced. But, removing exhaust manifolds from FE engines is a royal pain, because usually, one or more of the bolts snap off.