Is there any valve adjustment for the non poly 318????

[Bart K]

I am hearing a tic tic tic from the engine that I would describe as a tappet or lifter noise. Anyone know how I can go about addressing this issue??? I have never had a 318 apart before.

 

[lewtot184]

might be an exhaust leak at the exhaust manifolds; just went thru this on a big block. adjustable push rods can be bought; other than that an adjustable rocker.

 

[moper]

There is no valve adjustment on 318s. Ticking can be a result of worn tappets or lifter bores, or lower oil pressure overall in worst cases. Normally it's either material in the lifter blocking or sticking them, or lifter wear. If it's crap sticking it you can try adding 1qt of diesel fuel or kerosene, or ATF to the crankcase and driving it lightly or revving it in the driveway. Then change the oil and filter. Sometimes that helps clean things out. The only definite fix is replacement of the lifter(s) or cam and lifters if they are worn.

 

[Bart K]

might be an exhaust leak at the exhaust manifolds; just went thru this on a big block. adjustable push rods can be bought; other than that an adjustable rocker.

Thanks lewtot! I checked for exhaust leaks, it is so damn hard to tell! I appreciate the suggestion!

 

[Bart K]

There is no valve adjustment on 318s. Ticking can be a result of worn tappets or lifter bores, or lower oil pressure overall in worst cases. Normally it's either material in the lifter blocking or sticking them, or lifter wear. If it's crap sticking it you can try adding 1qt of diesel fuel or kerosene, or ATF to the crankcase and driving it lightly or revving it in the driveway. Then change the oil and filter. Sometimes that helps clean things out. The only definite fix is replacement of the lifter(s) or cam and lifters if they are worn.

Thanks moper, I will keep those suggestions in mind....sounds like it may be time for the top end. I just runs so damn good, I hate to mess with it! I will try the clean out first.

 

[moes]

take a 4 foot section or so of heater hose and use it like a stethoscope and listen to each lifter area and around your exhaust manifolds to see if you can hear the tick. Should be able to find the area where the tick is coming from.

 

[HawkRod]

might be an exhaust leak at the exhaust manifolds; just went thru this on a big block. adjustable push rods can be bought; other than that an adjustable rocker.

I agree that in many cases ticking can be a leaking exhaust manifold. It happens regularly with headers, but also happens with cast iron exhaust manifolds too. Look for a dark patch or area near a connection point - either manifold to head or manifold to exhaust pipe. I would start there and rule that out before you go digging into the engine.

Just my $0.02...

 

[Bart K]

take a 4 foot section or so of heater hose and use it like a stethoscope and listen to each lifter area and around your exhaust manifolds to see if you can hear the tick. Should be able to find the area where the tick is coming from.

Great suggestion, thanks moe!

 

[dvw]

If you don't find an exhaust leak remove the valve covers. One at a time it'll be messy enough all ready. Have an assistant start the engine and quickly put your finger on each rocker arm. If there is something loose you will feel it.
Doug

 

[Bart K]

If you don't find an exhaust leak remove the valve covers. One at a time it'll be messy enough all ready. Have an assistant start the engine and quickly put your finger on each rocker arm. If there is something loose you will feel it.
Doug

Good suggestion Doug, I will test that out next time I have a chance!

 

[lewtot184]

Thanks lewtot! I checked for exhaust leaks, it is so damn hard to tell! I appreciate the suggestion!

i went thru the manifold leak thing last week. had some "tappet" noise on a fresh build. worked on the valve train, which nothing was wrong with, and eventually found that i didn't have the exhaust manifold properly secured. fixed the manifold and fixed the ticking. also, you may have a crack in a manifold.

 

[Bart K]

i went thru the manifold leak thing last week. had some "tappet" noise on a fresh build. worked on the valve train, which nothing was wrong with, and eventually found that i didn't have the exhaust manifold properly secured. fixed the manifold and fixed the ticking. also, you may have a crack in a manifold.

I have thought about that lewtot. I am planning to put a new full exhaust system in place anyway and get these Cherry Bombs off. So maybe I will do that and see if my "tappet" noise goes away!