The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1951 216 Engine Noises?

Is it normal to have some lower end knocking and piston slap/tappet noise on the 216 when you first start it up? After running 15 minutes the noises substantially decline. My oil pressure is 25psi (stone cold), and 9psi when idling (engine hot).

Cannot say but I don't think its normal to have knocking or piston slap on start up, although my 235 has lifter noise initrially for about 10 minutes.

Will,

It sounds like your engine is trying to tell you it's tired and needs a trip to rehab! The clickety clack of the tappets is all you should hear. As the miles add up, the clearances increase, oil pressure drops and the joints start to rattle...it's called growing old gracefully.

Stuart

I wonder if you could describe the sounds a little more. I have a hollow light knock that is caused by a separated solid lifter which I have to replace. It is not a hard type of sound and it decreases as the motor warms up. I would think that you have pretty decent oil pressure for a 216.

It could be a piston slap or wrist pin noise. They usually go away as the engine warms up due to expansion. Rod noise will increase as it warms up cause the oil thins out. Tappet noise is more on the upper end. Have you checked the tappet adjustments?

The sound is definetly a lower end noise, constant low frequency "drumming or rapping" of the crankshaft which does not go away till engine warms up. Remains constant does not increase in intensity (or stop) with increase or decrease of rpm's. (like a rod bearing failure normally does). Valves are adjusted (hot to specs), no clatter there. I was told that these babbet bearing engines are notorious for noise because of the reduced lubrication efficiency of the splash oil system. (IE: Thus the nickname "BABBET BANGERS") True? False? If not, I guess it's time to break out the mechanics stethoscope.

The fact that the oil pressure drops after the motoer & oil is warm is a strong indication that the main bearings may be worn. Rod bearing noise will increase when the vehicle is in gear and the clutch is allowed to slip putting a load on the motor.

It's my thought that other than lifter noise the motor should run quite.

Will the motor smoke after it has been running or warmed up. If so I bet a compression test will also tell a story.

I am willing to bet that a trip to the rehab clinic should be considered for you next stop.

The oil pressure does normally drop as the oil warms up and this is stated in the manual. These motors are not known for knocking when they are healthy and their bearings work very well. They just use an outdated oiling system.

The out dated oiling system on my truck has been working satisfactorily for 67 years .

The noise you hear may be bearing related. The bearings , particularily mains, are shimed originally and it is not such a big job to pull a shim or two . requires patience and your workshop manual.

If your engine has not had regular , frequent oil changes through out its life , it may be due for overhaul if the noises you describe (lower end knocking and piston slap/tappet) really eminate from all those places.