Notices

Top end noise

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 09:02 AM
  #1  
steel1970's Avatar
steel1970
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Top end noise

I am not a mechanic to start off. I have a 78 F150 4x4, with a 351M in it, with a top end noise. Have done alot of work to the truck, with the exception of the motor. Got a new exhaust put on , and the guy who did it did not want to put in new manifold gaskets for fear of breaking a bolt off. I asked him prior to doing the exhaust if he thought the noise was an exhaust leak, but he said he didn't think so. Had my mechanic look at it prior to that, and he put new valve cover gaskets on it. I had asked him to adjust the rocker arms because I thought I heard something tapping. He gave me the truck back, said they didn't need adjusted because they don't loosen up. I thought this was odd. It seemed like he didn't want to mess with it. What do I have to do to figure this out for myself? I have the torque settings for all the engine components. Should I just check the torque on all the rockers to start? Can someone help me with this? I don't think anything is drastically wrong, but the motor is noisy, so I would like to fix it.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2008 | 09:11 AM
  #2  
beartracks's Avatar
beartracks
Lead Driver
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,625
Likes: 342
From: Albuquerque
There is no adjustment on the valves for this engine. If the lifters are making noise the only cure would be to replace them (or maybe a good dose of Sea Foam or MMO, heavier oil helps). Lifters would make kind of a uniform ticking noise (unless it's just one or two of them). An exhaust leak usually is more of a loud noise that increases with load on the engine.
Can you be more discriptive of the noise?
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2008 | 09:20 AM
  #3  
steel1970's Avatar
steel1970
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I understand the lifter noise is a ticking, since I have heard that before while someone was adjusting some in his motor. This seems to be louder than that at idle and does get louder when stress is put on the motor. I think it could be the exhaust. It seems like it is from one side that I hear it from.What is sea foam, and what type of oil would you use? Thanks for your help.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2008 | 09:23 AM
  #4  
steel1970's Avatar
steel1970
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
The dilemma is that this truck runs great, with the exception of running a little rough, which I am gonna investigate with a carb cleaning and such. I really dont think I am anywhere close to a rebuild.
 
Reply
Old May 21, 2008 | 03:25 PM
  #5  
trinogt's Avatar
trinogt
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
Also check the exhaust connection between the manifold and the down pipe. It may be cocked to one side or might have a broken doughnut (if used).
You might feel the exhaust escaping if it is the manifold gasket with the back of your hand. (do it while the engine is still cold before going near the manifolds!) lol
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jen524
2009 - 2014 F150
12
Mar 24, 2016 05:21 AM
samwill226
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Mar 20, 2015 09:44 PM
LARIAT 85
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
21
Sep 22, 2011 09:14 AM
JGarwood
Excursion - King of SUVs
6
Sep 15, 2008 07:30 AM
airharley
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
1
Apr 23, 2006 07:52 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:28 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE