Guess the sound

[Chisholmcody]

So today after work I started the truck and herd a ticking/knocking noise. I think it's the valves but I want a second opinion before I pop off the cover. Hopefully you can hear it in the video (idling high due to choke being on)https://vimeo.com/127991483


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[timthescarrd]

Sounds like valve chatter to me

[LTZ C20]

Kind of hard to say, it doesn't sound "heavy" as if it was coming from the lower end. How long did it last? Has it done it again? Did it sound like it was comming from the top or bottom of the engine? Does it still make noise at idle?

[Chisholmcody]

Comes from the top and it's very faint at idle and yes it's still doing it.


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[LTZ C20]

Ok that's good. Now try this, start the engine, let it idle, now put your ear down between the top of front tire and the wheel well opening, listen to the engine from the wheel well. If it's bottom end noise, it's going to be more noticeable here, if it is, then lay on the ground and listen under the truck, if it's even louder here, it could be in the lower end. If you do these things and it's getting quieter, it probably is from the top, in which case it's best to just pull both valve covers and take a look.

[Chisholmcody]

It's louder up top. When I pull the valve cover (l6 250) what am I looking for?


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[FlatBlack77]

you are looking for anything that is messed up.

pull the cover and start it up and look/listen for the noise

[BBM3]

Good advice.
First look for broken things. Rocker arms, rocker studs, and springs. (Unlikely if it runs normally)
Second I would check pushrod to rocker arm adjustment. (More likely)
Third check for a flat lifter(s). (Again unlikely if it runs normally)

[LTZ C20]

Good advice.
First look for broken things. Rocker arms, rocker studs, and springs. (Unlikely if it runs normally)
Second I would check pushrod to rocker arm adjustment. (More likely)
Third check for a flat lifter(s). (Again unlikely if it runs normally)

This here is good. If you pull the cover off and a piece falls out then that's gonna be obvious. If you start it and most or all but 1 of your rockers moves normally except for 1 or a few that are kind of jumpy or clacking, that is probably your noise. Pictures and a look at moving parts in action is sometimes your best learning tool.

[Chisholmcody]

If it is loose do I just tighten it 1/4 turn at a time? Tell noise goes away


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[LTZ C20]

If it's loose, it would be best to shut the engine off, then remove the affected rockers, examine the pieces for damages and cracks, replace as needed and then reassemble properly and then of course it wouldn't hurt to check all the others. Examine the pushrods too for being worn, damaged or bent.

[jaredts]

A quick check for an exhaust leak would be a good idea before you go further.  Do not just tighten rocker arm nuts--you have to follow the adjustment procedure.  You're not likely to need valve lash adjustments unless something is damaged anyway.

[Chisholmcody]

Ok I will have to take a look at it this weekend


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[Chisholmcody]

Today the noise got louder and louder and then all of the sudden the truck died.

So I got it towed home and the tow truck driver was talking about it and said it could be the starter . Come to find out it is not disengaging and is bad. Will be replacing it hopefully tomorrow before school.


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[LTZ C20]

Well that's to bad but good news also. Keep us posted.