DeTomaso Mailing List: October 97, Message #32
     



From: 	John Haas <jrh@bounty.jsc.nasa.gov>

Subject: Re: Ticking Sound

Date: 	Wed, 1 Oct 1997 17:52:52 +0000



An exhaust leak can be awfully decieving. An engine stethoscope from Sears

can be really helpful for about $12.



> 

> Okay, so my car is drivable again.  It isn't quite running right, it has a 

> lack of power.  I believe this is due to the vacuum secondaries not opening 

> yet.  But the real question is the ticking sound.  At all engine speeds I hear 

> a ticking sound.  Normally I would associate this with the lifters.  I have 

> hydraulic lifters and they should have taken up this slack.  I except the 

> sound to disappear shortly after starting the car, when the oil pressure fills 

> the lifers properly.  Well, it doesn't.  Since then, I have removed the valve 

> covers (not as simple now that the engine is the car).  I don't have any slack 

> between any of the pushrods and the corresponding rocker arm.  The ticking is 

> definitely proportional to engine speed.  My question is: Is it possible I am 

> hearing the valve closing?  I checked the pre-load of the lifters before 

> assembling the engine and replaced 9 pushrods with some that were .035" 

> shorter.  This gives me preloads between 0.030" and 0.045". 

> 

> Any other ideas?

> 

> Thanks

> Paul #9270

> 

>