NEW Engine has a tic... Opinons?

[elks]

So I just finished up and began driving my 1972 chevy. I built the motor myself and it was the first total build I have done myself. Well I now have about 150 miles on the motor and have gotten a tic. I am hoping it is might just be a rocker arm adjustment. I am not running it at all, and wonder if it is common to have to readjust rocker settings on a fresh build? I have a buddy who thinks it is pretty common...

If not a rocker adjustment then what?

 

[brian wafer]

mecanical fuel pump,will make noise too.

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

Or it's the crocodile from peter pan.







Does the tic increase with RPM? A mechanic's stethoscope can be had for $5 at HF. I'd go with either rockers or the fuel pump that was mentioned. Start with rockers and go from there. Did you use the factory style lock nut type, or the studs with the nut/cap that has the set screw on top? Roller rockers/lifters? After 150 miles they're partly broke in, could be giving enough play for the tic. And if and hopefully it is rockers, you should be able to tell if you put your hand on the valve covers, you could feel it. Well at least last time I had a 350 I could, but it wasn't just a small tic, but a CLACKA CLACKA CLACKA

A stethoscope is money well spent to aid in diagnosing. People say you can hold a pole or broom handle of some type up to the engine, and your ear, and it'll work similar. I've tried this, and although I understand the theory, it's not very effective.

 

[chulisohombre]

When I put in new roller rockers on mine I had to readjust them after a couple hundred miles. It could be a dead Lifter Not Pumping up with oil as well if something inside is sticking. Worse case a cam lobe got worn off and is letting the rocker have a loose scenario and ticking. Everything will take a few hundred miles to wear in and be good after that. I would Check the rockers first as that is the easiest to Check ad hopefully it is just that. Check timing as well as it could be detination from crap fuel or not high enough octane depending on your comp ratio.

 

[Burbdood 74]

You may have an exhaust leak too. I've heard exhaust leaks sound just like a lifter ticking. Check your manifold bolts to see if any of them have loosened up on you.

 

[david popple]

Bad spark plug wire?

 

[454Sub]

You can use a piece of rubber vacuum hose for a stethoscope worst case senario. Most likely its a rocker arm thats backed off and is starting to tick. Draining the oil could let you see how serious it is. Any strip club type glitter and your in for a major problem. I rebuilt a 8.1L just a few months ago and it developed a tick and I freaked out as its not a cheap motor to rebuild and I did it for a friend. Ended up being an exhaust leak out of the headers and a slightly backed off rocker arm nut. Always suspect the "dumb" stuff before panicking about the serious stuff.

 

[diesel4me]

If you use vacuum hose for a stethascope,be careful not to probe too close to the spark plug wires with it...the carbon black in the hose makes a good conductor,and it can send the high voltage right into your eardrums...(dont ask me how I know this!.. ..) ...
I now know how being "tazed" must feel...