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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,049 Posts1,055,699 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 34 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 34 | I have 4200 miles on my 53 3800 1ton rebuild. Lately, I have been getting a weird sound when I accelerate, especially up hill, in 4th or 5th gear. The sound is like a LOUD valve rattle but it is definately not the valves. I have an 89 Camero T5, 11in clutch mounted to a 261. This noise only occurs under load and doesn't seem to be the throwout bearing but is coming from the rear of the engine /clutch area. Any suggestions what to look for as I tear things apart in my futle attempt to convince my wife that I CAN fix it? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,897 Member | | Member Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,897 | Use higher octane fuel and or adjust timing 
There is enough good in the worst of us and enough bad in the best of us that it does not behoove any of us to criticize the rest of us. - - Be yourself. If you are ever lost, It will be much easier to find yourself if you know who you are!
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#2148 04/04/2003 12:39 PM | Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 385 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 385 | Detonation can be caused by a lean fuel condition, too low octane, bad timing, or a combination of these. Luke is dead on; pour some octane booster into the tank and check the timing. If everything checks out and you still have the problem, enrich the mixture. You'll lose a bit on economy, but you get to keep your engine. I don't suppose downshifting is an option? Didn't think so.  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 34 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 34 | Thanks, I'll try that this morning. It would be great if it tunns out to be something that simple! | | | | | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | Is it accompanied by a loss of power, popping, and sputtering? If it is, your power valve in the carb isn't opening.
If it's not, most likely the points have worn enough that your timing got too far advanced. Tune it up first and then worry about gas, it's unlikely that regular unleaded is too low since 261's only have 7.8:1 compression on a good day.
Paint & Body Shop moderator A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 34 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 34 | Thank you, folks! You all saved me from a lot of needless work and expense. The timing was way off, I cleaned and regapped the plugs, adjusted the carb and added a bottle of octane booster. No more rattle, smooth running and more power. I was looking in the wrong direction. Thanks,Don. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | We're glad you got it fixed up before damage set in.
Paint & Body Shop moderator A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,897 Member | | Member Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,897 | Great to hear things worked out Happy bolters are a positive influence on us all 
There is enough good in the worst of us and enough bad in the best of us that it does not behoove any of us to criticize the rest of us. - - Be yourself. If you are ever lost, It will be much easier to find yourself if you know who you are!
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