Something Loose inside engine

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Aug 24, 2003 | 03:21 PM

MercM47

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Something Loose inside engine

49' 239 Flathead...recently engine began making strange sound in the front section of the engine, like a nut or washer was bouncing around inside. The sound is loudest when I back off the throttle. Yet, the truck is running great...and all parameters are normal (temp, oil pressure, etc..)

When I remove the oil breather cap I can hear it clear as day through the breather tube. With the cap on I can hear it under and above the front of the engine. I do not feel it, only hear it.

Any ideas how to troubleshoot/identify the cause without having to break her down?

Aug 24, 2003 | 03:32 PM

MercM47

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Something Loose inside engine

also...sound is erratic, no correlation to rpm. Gets louder as engine warms up.

Thanks!

Larry

Last edited by MercM47; Aug 24, 2003 at 03:36 PM.

Aug 24, 2003 | 06:29 PM

4tl8ford

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From: Erie, pa

Something Loose inside engine

Go to the site below and ask the question.
Lots of good Flathead folks there.

http://www.fordbarn.com/earlyv8/forum03/

Aug 24, 2003 | 07:10 PM

57_ford

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From: Maryland

Something Loose inside engine

I don't know any thing about a flat head. I think I would remove the belt and start it for a short time and see if the problem goes away. Maybe it is a water pump or some thing. Does a flat head have a timing chain? If it does the chain could be loose and hitting inside of the engine. Just some ideas

Aug 24, 2003 | 10:44 PM

MercM47

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Something Loose inside engine

removing the belts is a great idea and thanks for the forum address. fyi, timing gears

Is it just me or everytime I get it all together something else goes! Clearly, I am destined to spend every moment & dime I have on this "love".

thanks again!

Aug 25, 2003 | 12:04 PM

41Clay

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From: McAlester, OK

Something Loose inside engine

Th flathead has no timming chain, the gears are just touching.

My only guess is that something fell off in the valley and is bouncing around off the springs. But don't take my word for it.

Clayton

Aug 25, 2003 | 03:20 PM

darkhorse54

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From: Red Bluff U.S.A.

Something Loose inside engine

Do a compression test on cylinders1 and 2 just to make sure a valve hasn't come loose and hitting the piston, if that's ok then drop your oil pan and check to see if you've spun a rod bearing.

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Aug 25, 2003 | 07:45 PM

MercM47

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Something Loose inside engine

Thanks guys...In the morning I am gonna start by checking compresson, pulling the belts and run her without the water pumps and generator and looking for metal in oil/filter.

The consensus appers to be a thrown bearing at one end of the connecting rod...arghhh!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Last edited by MercM47; Aug 25, 2003 at 07:48 PM.

Aug 31, 2003 | 07:48 PM

#10

MercM47

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Something Loose inside engine

Ok...finally had some good weather.

- Compression is good
- No metal frags in oil
- Removed belts and sound still there.

After spending a long time listening with a wrapping paper tube it sounds like it is from the forward valley area. Looks like I have to remove the intake manifold.

Sep 2, 2003 | 12:00 PM

#11

Jag Red 54

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From: Valley Center, CA

Something Loose inside engine

This would be the perfect time for that stethoscope they sell at Harbor Freight Tools. Just a wild thought, what about putting a clean magnet wand down the oil tube? Could this be just a left over part like a washer that was overlooked before things were rapped up?? If not, how is it that everthing is running great and the engine compression is fine? I say stick the magnet in there, reteive the piece, then decide if dissasembly is warranted. Wouldn't it be the s**ts if you tore it down to find out nothing had actually come apart, it was only an errant nut or washer? Good Luck, John

Sep 2, 2003 | 01:00 PM

#12

MercM47

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Something Loose inside engine

John....Its scarry how your reading my mind *lol* The magnetic wand is a great idea. PS..the stehoscope is high on the list of purchases.

Worst case Ill start with removing the intake manifold...Argh!

Thanks!

Sep 10, 2003 | 11:54 AM

#13

MercM47

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Something Loose inside engine

Well, finaly found the problem. Valve in number 5 finally gave way. First thing was the flattened arm on the spark plug followed by actually being able to see the valve through the opening. Looks like it valve job time...thanks for all your help!

Larry

Last edited by MercM47; Sep 10, 2003 at 11:56 AM.