I'm new to this site and the Ford world but have enjoyed both so far. I recently purchased a '95 F250 w/ a 351 in it. The previous owner had taken it to a shop for head gaskets, $2200.00 and no approving phone call later, he gets his truck back with a tap. He took it back to the shop and they supposedly replaced the lifters (don't know why they didn't do it when they put new heads on... again with no phone call). Taps still there and they tell him it is going to need a tranny. Anycase , I bought the truck CHEAP and rebuilt the tranny.
About the tap, it is noisiest first thing in the morning. A couple of minutes into warm up and it will go away under acceleration, come to a stop and 8 out of 10 times it will start tapping again. At times running down the road there is a very slight tap.... not sure that this tap isn't exhaust. The truck does have 190,000 on it. I have changed oil with alittle Lucas but to no avail. Is it possible bearing clearance problems and I'm loosing pressure on top?(no bottom end noise, even when cold) Or more likely the pump going out? Any suggestions would be great! I had one of my local shops order an oil press. gauge so I could see whats what as well. THANKS

 

Sounds like piston slap to me.

 

Piston slap...didn't consider that. Did consider wrist pin and canceled that cylinder and the noise was still there. I looked for a 351w in my area and can't find one to rebuild. Would like to do a "one out, one in" to keep down time to a minimum. I did find a EFI 302 with harness for a good price that needs to be rebuilt. What kind of electrical headaches would I be getting into if any, and what kind of performance pros and cons? The truck is a '95 F-250 4x4 with a C6 tranny. Thanks for any help!

 

An exhaust leak will sound a lot like a tap, check the air injection tube at the back of the motor, remove the fan and feel around the motor and exhaust manifolds for escaping gases from a cold start.

 

second that. I have been asked to investigate a lot of 'faulty' lifters that turned out to be cracked manifolds or blown gaskets.

the stock manis had no gasket - everything was cut flat and bolted on fresh. once that factory seal is broken (it was a head gasket job u said) it now needs something.

 

yes. previous owner took it in for a head gasket. BOTH heads were replaced and manifolds (although manis look older than a couple of months to me.). What is a guy to do if it is the manifold leaking? Does someone make a gasket even though the oe didn't have one?

 

yes - about everyone makes ford smallblock gaskets. the Mr gasket ones with the wire core I recommend for headers without a flat surface, otherwise any of the graphite/asbestos ones will do. be tempted not to use sealer of any type.

 

Great, I'll check for leaks as soon as the sun comes up! Thanks again

 

throw a wrench on the manifold bolts, ive had some bad luck at stealer ships because either bolts were missing or not tight