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I wouldn't get too worked up just yet. You should start by taking a systematic approach to identifying your problem. So far you know you have at least three broken springs...which might be the extent of your problem, and a simple repair.
Start by:
1. Replace broken springs. Clean rocker arm assembly really good and get all the old oil crud out of it, lube it up with assembly grease and reassemble.
2. Reinstall rocker arm assembly, run engine with valve cover off, verify oil flow, and listen for "tick" - if noise is gone - great...if noise is still present go to step 3.
3. Take a long tube or hose (one end to your ear and one end to the engine) and listen around your valve assembly and see if you can Identify where the noise is coming from. Also with the engine running, and with a long pair of pliers - pull the spark plug wire from its post on the distributor cap to see if you can isolate the noise to a single cylinder. For example: If you pull the wire for the number 1 cylinder, and the noise stops...most likely you have an issue with the valves train associated with the number 1 cylinder.
Report back with what you find and we can help you further.
Thanks again, ViraminC. You guys have given me a great guide on what to check next. I will most definitely work through the things that have been mentioned. Heading out on a summer trip later this week so may be a bit before I get back with you guys but will for sure let you know my findings. Thanks again.
Quick question that may be sorta related- as could obviously be seen by the pictures I posted at the beginning of this thread I had the passenger side valve cover off. I have not done anything to it at this point besides take a look and then reinstall the cover with a new gasket. No leaks...on the passenger side. As was putting in a new speedometer cable and in doing so I noticed that now I have a much worse oil leak that before I took off the passenger cover but now I can see oil running down the driver side of the engine. I see some fresh oil coming out of the drivers valve cover and down the side of the engine I do not think all this is coming from the drivers cover though. I have been told I have a rear main seal leak but why would the leak get much worse after replacing the passenger valve cover seal. Does it have to do with pressure? I’ve tried to attach some pictures to show where it’s coming from. Also, I see the number 312 on the exhaust manifold Is that a correct number for a factory 1974 360 with dual exhaust? Thanks
I am finally back to figuring out all these leaks and noises. As I mentioned earlier, I was starting to have copious amounts of oil leaking from almost every place two parts come together. Thinking that I most likely have one or more bad seals/gaskets I decided to go ahead and replace as many as I can without removing the engine. At this point I have everything through the intake manifold removed. I have take off the rocker arms as well and have checked the pushrods. They look ok except for a small amount of surface rust on a couple of them. Here is my question, what would you guys suggest I replace or check further while I am down this far into the engine. Lifters? Pushrods? etc? Should I go ahead and pull the heads and exhaust manifolds off as well. I have a decent exhaust leak on passenger side between the head and exhaust so most likely that gasket is shot. Is there any benefit of converting to headers?
Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
