Engine noise
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Engine noise
Hi Gang:
My 360fe is making some strange noises and I thought I'd post and see if any of you have ideas before I start tearing things down. So, these noises happen at various intervals, but engine runs strong, I'm not detecting any misses, plugs are clean and it is not using oil. But here are the noises:
Dave
My 360fe is making some strange noises and I thought I'd post and see if any of you have ideas before I start tearing things down. So, these noises happen at various intervals, but engine runs strong, I'm not detecting any misses, plugs are clean and it is not using oil. But here are the noises:
- At cold start (occasionally) I hear lifter tapping that goes away fairly quickly. Here's the kicker though, when I start, if the noise is present, if I immediately shut off and restart noise is usually gone, even if engine is still cold!
- While idling, after warm, I will hear a slight tick that lasts for about a second and comes about every 10 seconds or so,
- Finally, when warm, and after I've been driving for a while, at around 40-50 MPH I will hear some clattering (faint), but goes away at higher or even lower RPM's. Usually only hear it at that speed. Increasing RPM's does not make noise louder...it actually goes away. I used to think it was my speedometer cable rattling against the frame, etc but, I'm now pretty sure it's coming from the engine.
Dave
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Oil's great. Changed about 1,500 miles ago. I bought truck 2 years ago and PO had replaced Head gaskets. Pressure, I'm not sure. I guess my question is where should it be hovering at idle for these 360's?
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I'm running headers and one of the bolts broke off a while back, but I have not detected a typical exhaust leak...at least not a noise (or noises) so intermittent as these (especially the lifter noise at cold start that goes away if I immediately shut off and re-crank).
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If you have the factory gauge anywhere in the normal range is fine. rule of thumb is 10psi per 1000 rpm but most engines run a little more than that.
Did it start about the time you changed the oil ? viscosity can make a little difference if you're on the edge anyway.
Did it start about the time you changed the oil ? viscosity can make a little difference if you're on the edge anyway.
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Nevada
Seems fairly common for FE's to run fine at low oil pressure, lots of folks only seeing 10-15 psi at hot idle.
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Yeah, I have a gauge tester and I think the last time I connected it the pressure was on the low side, maybe 8-10psi at idle. I will have to check it again. No, the cold lifter noise did not start after the last oil change. It just does it every now and then. In fact, plenty of times from a cold start there's NO noise! That's what's a bit baffling.
However, the faint clattering I hear, only after reaching operating temp, and only at around 45-50 MPH, has been doing that since I bought the truck. Again, it sounds like a cable hitting the frame, but I know it is NOT that.
However, the faint clattering I hear, only after reaching operating temp, and only at around 45-50 MPH, has been doing that since I bought the truck. Again, it sounds like a cable hitting the frame, but I know it is NOT that.
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Lots of things it could be really. but probably a lifter.
Exhaust leaks can come and go and they can sound like a tick, not exactly like a lifter though.
If your oil pressure is getting weak you could dump in some power punch or something. or go to 20-50 oil. it might help and it won't hurt. but in the end okay oil pressure is all a lifter needs if it's in good shape. you're probably going to have to either live with it or replace them.
Exhaust leaks can come and go and they can sound like a tick, not exactly like a lifter though.
If your oil pressure is getting weak you could dump in some power punch or something. or go to 20-50 oil. it might help and it won't hurt. but in the end okay oil pressure is all a lifter needs if it's in good shape. you're probably going to have to either live with it or replace them.
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Yeah 440, that may be my next move, probably just go with the heavier weight oil. Do you think the lifter noise at cold start and the faint clattering when hot and at 45-50 MPH may be the same issue?
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Most likely.
Replacing the lifters isn't that bad of job, the 900 lb FE intake is the worst part of it. the only thing is the lifters may only be part of it, check all the parts for damage or excessive wear. your preload can only account for so much.
if you do dive into this get the better lifters there are only 2 manufacturers and one is ok and the other is crap. I use Howard's Cam brand because I know they're the good ones. other brands sell them too but I don't know which ones.
Replacing the lifters isn't that bad of job, the 900 lb FE intake is the worst part of it. the only thing is the lifters may only be part of it, check all the parts for damage or excessive wear. your preload can only account for so much.
if you do dive into this get the better lifters there are only 2 manufacturers and one is ok and the other is crap. I use Howard's Cam brand because I know they're the good ones. other brands sell them too but I don't know which ones.
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The other option is to just drive it. you're not hurting anything and if your oil pressure is fading you may get by until you major it. be a shame to put new lifters in standing on your head under the hood and then a year from now have to pull the engine anyway.
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