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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2018 Posts: 80 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2018 Posts: 80 | hi, this forum has been a great source for help and info and i thank all the folks who take the time to help greenhorns like me learn and continue the hobby.
i'm working on a 1951 panel that has a 1957 235.
i've had the engine rebuilt using a mild cam, dual zenith 228s, edlebrock intake and fenton headers.
after running great for 500 miles, i noticed a ticking sound that is easy to hear on start up but gets quiter after about 2 mins. im still able to hear it once the engine warms up and it never goes away.
my first thought was a exhaust leak so i brought it back to the muffler shop that built the dual exhaust....3 times. the noise is still there.
now, i'm new to this so i'm still learning. my thought was that it could be a valve/push rod adjustment but i have heard different stories as to wether the valves could be adjusted on this motor as it has hydraulic lifters.
the tick is clearley coming from the top of the engine. if they can be adjusted, what is the process.
thanks for any help that you experts can offer! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | A quality mechanic's stethoscope would be a handy tool to find the source of that tick. I hope someone else has a lead for a nice one as I would like to purchase one myself.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Mine is like the walmart mechanics stethoscope. I think I bought it at my nearby chinese-tool warehouse (Harbor Freight) many years ago. I do not know how/if a higher priced set would be better? And, WalMart is convenient. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | I used to have one of those el cheapo ones. Now it is the neighbor's yard 2 or 3 houses down because that was as far as I could throw it.
I borrowed one from a fiend who got his as a "parting gift" from the Navy. It was much more sensitive. If you barely tough anything, it would sound like someone was yelling at you.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | A dowel, or screwdriver, or wrench extension works well, too, just clean the grease off before sticking end in ear.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 893 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 893 | Broom handle will work also.
Brian
1955.2 3100 Truck
The older I get the more dangerous I am!!!!! | | | | | Joined: Jul 2018 Posts: 80 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2018 Posts: 80 | ok thanks for all the suggestions on finding the location of the sound. i've taken the valve cover off and i can't SEE anything strange. the noise seems to be coming from the top of the motor. there is no play on any valve/rocker/pushrod regardless if the engine is cold or hot. should there be?
i've got a auto stethoscope on order from amazon and should be here tomorrow but its driving me crazy. the motor is brand new and i'm concerned that this may mean more than a simple adjustment.
any thoughts on that?
also, is there a procedure to adjust hydraulic lifters/valves? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 186 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2013 Posts: 186 | Is it possible to go back and talk to the engine builder? If there is an issuse that would be what i would do. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | Is it possible to go back and talk to the engine builder? If there is an issuse that would be what i would do. Since the truck can be driven, this is exactly what I would do. The machine shop would rather have a look see before anything is done to it. Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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