The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine ticking sound

Hi y’all,

Last month I was driving through our village in our 1951 Chevrolet 3100 (stovebolt 216) when my accelerator pedal got stuck. In panic, I turned off the car using the ignition. Unfortunately, when I started the car again, I heard a ticking noise coming from the engine. What could this be? And is it (easy) to check or fix?

We haven’t driven it since then. The only thing we’ve done is start the car and move it out of the garage. The strange thing is that the ticking noise is now gone. I think the ticking might only happen when the engine is warm.

The sound is coming from the valve cover and it sounds like someone is tapping on it (irregularly) with a small hammer. Right after the moment I switched the car off, the ticking was constant. After I drove it home (and the engine cooled a little bit) it was only happening irregulary when the throttle was pushed down.

If anyone can help me with this problem, I’d really appreciate it as I don’t dare to drive it as long as I don’t know what the issue is.

Kind regards,
Thijs

Assuming you've positively ruled out an exhaust leak, t sounds like it might be a stuck lifter or a valve tapping.

Perhaps a pushrod is stuck or bent. You'll need to take the valve cover off and observe the operation of the valves. Turn the engine by hand with the fan or hand crank and see if any aren't moving like they should.

Make sure you aren't low on oil in the crankicase.

Pull the valve cover and check for bent pushrods. Most engine noises can be diagnosed with a little detective work. Unless it sounds like there are a bunch of little guys with sledgehammers in the crankcase trying to pound their way to freedom, running the engine long enough to get to operating temperature probably isn't going to do much more damage. How far did the engine manage to rev up before you got it under control?
Jerry