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continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 148 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 148 | Have a 235 from a 62 impala in my 49 1/2 ton and I am noticing when I start the engine cold I am hearing a distinct valve clattering and as the engine gets warm the clatter goes away to the point I can't hear it at all. Is this a concern or can I expect this out of a 52 year old engine. Thanks for any advice on this subject | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 |
Most likely that noise from a cold 235 engine with hydraulic lifters is not uncommon and it might not be abnormal.
How do you adjust the valve lash/lifters?
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | I'm frustrated over the same thing. Taps until I get some heat into the motor or the lifter pumps up, not sure which. I attribute it to what I have learned about the lack of availability of good hydraulic lifters. If they are aftermarket, it could very well be your problem. This is the reason I'm going to put a solid lifter cam and lifters back into my truck. At least they will all sound the same and not hear the same one or two clack away in the morning.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 | Noisy hydraulic lifters were a problem when these engines were new, and 50+ years of use hasn't improved the situation any. Whenever an engine stops, at least a few valves are open, and the constant push of the valve spring against the lifter causes it to leak down and bottom out. It's supposed to refill as soon as the engine is restarted, and oil pressure builds up, but sometimes it takes a little while for that to happen. We used to run a thin solvent-type oil additive such as Bardahl or Wynn's Friction Proofing to clean out the check valves and help the lifters function right, but I'm not sure if those products are even still on the market. Add about a pint of Diesel fuel or Mineral Spirits to the crankcase and run the engine at fast idle for 10-15 minutes before an oil change, and the same cleaning effect will happen. Just don't drive the vehicle and load the bearings while the solvent is onboard.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 |
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,675 | Diesel fuel is cheaper, and it does the same thing!
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 | Just showing it's still around !!!
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 148 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 148 | Sounds like it couldn't
hurt and maybe it will help I will give it a try. Thanks guys. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,060 | What do guys think about Seafoam?
1946 1-ton Panel
1952 1-ton Comml. W/Grain Body
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 |
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