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| | | Forums66 Topics128,028 Posts1,055,414 Members48,422 | | 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!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,271 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,271 | On a 216, if you don't have at least one valve that "clickity clickities", then how will you know that the engine is still running at a stop sign? My thinking on the subject of pal nuts is that they are there to prevent the separation of the connecting rod from rod journal once the babbit gives up the ghost, therefore saving the crank. If you read the factory repair manual you will find that if the crank has significant scoring, the crank must be replaced. There was no provision for turning the journals for undersized insert bearings (since the rods are poured babbit). I'm with you, I have a serious affinity with the 216. I'm currently running a full pressure 1953 235. It has more hp but is no 216.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 | aw, just make a full pressure 216, if you aren't after a full flow filter as well it is really easy, and not all that expensive. (even if you want a full flow filter it isn't that hard, and no more expensive other than some tubing, some fittings, and a filter head) | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I think you are very fortunate to not have crankshaft damage. Usually on these old 216s there will be some wear on the rockers and the shaft. It makes it impossible to eliminate the clicking but most of us enjoy the music!
Last edited by truckernix; 07/21/2013 11:27 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | Here a some video after the fix - still seems a bit noisy to me - but I am no expert. Thinking lifters? Valves? are too noisy. Hate to run it this way - but I should get it warmed up to really get a good read on the valve gaps. I do need to get a light on the timing How it sound to bolters?? 1948 Chevy 216 Just connected oil pressure gauge and it is below 15 but it is pushing oil to the rockers. No leaks.
Last edited by BSCowboy; 07/21/2013 8:16 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | After I shut 'er down, I am getting some smoke out of the top, slight but some. It ain't been run for 15 years.
Think I have some bigger issues. All the bearings seemed good on the crank. Wondering if a piston is sticking? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | This may be a bit better video of the knocking bad knocking | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 | I'm going to re-suggest using the video editing software AUDIO track to locate where/when the knock happens... I my case it wasn't a rod it was the crank ever so slightly hitting the top of the oil pump supply line. I had to drop the pan to finally find it.
Give me ambiguity or give me something else
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | One good diagnostic tool for locating sounds is a mechanic's stethoscope. A long screwdriver can substitute but doesn't block out surrounding noise like a stethoscope does. It won't tell you specifically WHAT the noise is but it'll let you know WHERE it's coming from to help narrow the search.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion. Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I don't think that is a bearing knock. It almost sounds like something hitting the side cover or maybe the oil supply tube. CASO apparently had a similar noise. I would us a piece of plastic tube, one end in the ear and the other used to point at parts of the motor. I find that technique can be quite useful.
I would not worry about a little smoke rising after. That would be blow-by and it is normally taken away by the vent tube when you are driving.
Last edited by truckernix; 07/21/2013 11:28 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | It is so common for a 216 to have a pushrod hit the rocker supply tube which then flexes and hits the side cover. That is what it sounds like to me. I bet you will be able to see and feel the side cover flexing.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | I did use a paper towel roll to my ear and it did sound like the side cover. Will give that a second look.
I made certain to have clearance with the oil pipe when I put it back together.
Stay tuned ...the mystery continues. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | You guys are the cats meow!!
Sure enough the #4 intake rod seemed to be tight when I backed it off. Not sure why it was beatin that side cover like a drum, but will find out.
I backed off the coil bolts (they can't reach that rod can it)
The banging is gone. Just need to peel off that cover and find out why
Maybe the rod was not sitting good enough on the lifter.
Wearin my stovebolt tshirt to church again | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I have a 216 side cover with a section cut out of it so I can see for mock-up. This way I can be sure the line clears the pushrods. Sometimes the cover pushes the line over into the pushrods when installed.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | So here is an updated video of the motor - need to crank the sound. Tried to get the tailpipe and carb - I have a rebuilt carb putting on Monday. Latest sounding motorthe before video before | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,901 | What are you standing around taking pictures for??? that sounds like a team of sled dogs tugging at the line ready to go for a nice long romp. let em loose!
Give me ambiguity or give me something else
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 338 | | | |
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