Checking heads

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Aug 27, 2006 | 05:04 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

Checking heads

I have some GT-40Y heads that were on my engine for a little while and are now removed and in storage.

The engine was making a tapping sound, almost like a lifter tap, when it was running. It was on #1-#4 but not really sure which one it was. The lifters were fine, the pushrods and rockers were fine, not making contact with the valve covers either. The valvetrain was professionally setup as I didn't do it.

I'm trying to check and see if my heads were fine, maybe a valveguide?

Can a bad valveguide cause a tapping sound?

It was a "tick tick tick" metal on metal sound that followed RPM, wasn't an exhaust leak.

So if it's possibly a valveguide thing...is it easy enough for me to take apart the valvetrain on the heads? I've never done it before...I have access to a spring compressor but am not sure if other tools are required to get the retainers out or do anything else.

Any info would be great, thanks.

Aug 28, 2006 | 10:03 AM

P51D Mustang

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Noise can be sign of guide problems. If you have a spring compresser then you can remove the valves no problem and inspect the valve stems for scoring. I'd just have a good head shop tear it down and inspect it, and they can effect the repair if needed.

Aug 28, 2006 | 10:53 AM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

Well, I was looking to do it myself in order to save $$$...I can get a spring compressor but are special tools required to get the retainers out?

Aug 28, 2006 | 01:26 PM

P51D Mustang

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The spring pressure holds the locks in the grooves in most cases.

Aug 28, 2006 | 02:37 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

sweet, thanks...

Aug 28, 2006 | 08:14 PM

TigerDan

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From: The hills of No. Calif.

Also, even with the heads assembled you can grasp the retainer and check for lateral movement. If you have one that's bad it should move more than the the others, but with fairly fresh heads there should be almost no discernable movement.