That annoying tick.

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by Briz, Oct 31, 2021.

  1. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Not the ones that attach to your leg when ur out in the woods, thats very annoying too.

    I had that issue with the 430 in the Riv when my oil got contaminated with the Evans waterless coolant. It caused a lot of wear on the rods and main bearings but the rest of the engine looked ok upon tear down and inspection. Currently my oil pressure is as good or better than ever. Just did a 500+ mile weekend trip and the car ran flawlessly. Hot OP stayed around 55 @ 3000 rpm on the highway and steady 11 at 800 rpm idle.

    Upon reassembly I noticed a slight lifter tick. nothing that I couldnt live with but its gotten worse with time and miles. I have adjustable push rods and put another turn of preload on each when first started without much change. Going down the road its quiet inside until I pass a truck or retaining wall then ya can really hear it hammering. Car has plenty of power. No issues in the way it runs. Not suspecting a wiped cam lobe or rocker issue. Had all the lifters apart while out and cleaned each. no problems found there either.

    So now Im debating on a full lifter replacement or possibly cam and lifters. . Would rather not have to pull the timing cover off while in the car if it can be avoided.
     
  2. Waterboy

    Waterboy Mullet Mafia since 6/20

    Dang Steve,
    I thought you were really talking about ticks. This summer we had a family get together at the penguin’s cabin in Kentucky. On the way home I was rubbing my left arm and noticed a mole or wort that I didn’t have before. Upon closer inspection with my glasses on I had a dang tick stuck to my arm. I scraped him off with my super strong fingernails, and ended up with the itchy spot on my left arm for the rest of the summer. I believe it’s finally gone now. Maybe your tick will go away also. Awesome seeing you last weekend Steve!
     
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  3. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Briz, Even if you don't suspect cam/lifter problems, I would pull the valve cover on that side, mark the suspect push rods, and make sure they are rotating. If not, the cam is going away.
     
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  4. Dr. Roger

    Dr. Roger Stock enthusiast

    Check for exhaust manifold leak first.
     
  5. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Know for a fact its not a exhaust leak. TA shorty headers, Remflex gaskets, TA mandrel bent 2.5" all the way back.
     
  6. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Man u dont know itch until one of them jokers latch onto your sac or inner thigh up in the nether regions. Have had both. Sucks!
     
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  7. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    Ever notice when a tick bites ya, all the old tick bites start itching?

    Asking for a friend
     
  8. BUICKRAT

    BUICKRAT Got any treats?

    Didja run it with the valve covers off and push on the rockers to find out which one it is?
     
  9. agetnt9

    agetnt9 Agetnt9 (Dan)

    Well, with cool engine and cover off one side at a time. at idle put the palm of your hand on each rocker with light rag under hand. you will fell the force is with you and know witch one is going to the dark side.
     
  10. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    I would try some transmission fluid in the oil to help free up the lifter.
     
    Freakazoid likes this.
  11. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    I did. Cut the top off a old valve cover and bolted it in place to contain the oil somewhat then used a hose / stethoscope to Isolate which was making the most noise. Put another turn on the pushrod and it quieted down. But over time its gotten loud again. 99% sure none of the pushrods backed off. I'll tear into it once the Wildcat is back together and functional. Cant have both Buicks down at the same time.
     
    mbryson likes this.
  12. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    Put in some AC/DC and turn it up to eleven... [​IMG]
     
    STAGE III, Briz, FLGS400 and 2 others like this.
  13. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Yep, I've tried that a million times, the lifter plunger just self adjusts/re-positions and the noise returns:mad:
     
  14. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Thats fine inside the car but the noise outside will still be heard... Maybe. I have not messed with the car in a few weeks but was thinking about pulling a valve cover today.
     
  15. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Like I said in post #3, make sure the push rod is turning on that valve. If it isn't, that cam lobe is going away.
     
  16. STAGE III

    STAGE III Lost Experimental 455-4 Bolt Main Block.

    They make indoor/outdoor speakers now, some even look like rocks:rolleyes:
    0BFC2D87-EA84-49E0-95C8-9A84A08B12DC.jpeg
     
  17. chrome yellow

    chrome yellow Well-Known Member

    Pull valve cover and take a slow motion video of each cylinder valve train. You will be able to see and hear where the problem is.
     
    bostoncat68 likes this.
  18. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    I've not even pulled the cover off the car. I think about doing it then go do something else to avoid what I know is about to happen.
     
  19. Ken Warner

    Ken Warner Stand-up Philosopher

    Factory rocker setup? Did you try pulling the assembly and making sure a rocker bushing hasn't bought the farm?
     
  20. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Ken, I had the complete assembly from both sides in pieces to make sure it was all clean and free of any old contaminated fluids. If there was excess play Id have noticed it then. Did learn the hard way there is a correct way to reinstall the bars. Wrong and correct
     

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