Engine noise

[patrickt]

You know your original post sounded like you weren't 100% sure whether you had a hydraulic or mechanical cam in your engine. My audio link in my signature has the hi-def microphone right over the engine at the tail end of the idling audio snippet. You can hear the "sewing machine" sound of my solid flat tappet and it will give a little insight in to how they normally sound. If you pull your valve covers and there is no lash on any of your rockers then it's probably not a mechanical cam.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by patrickt

...at the tale end of....

"TAIL END" -what a sad tale for a counselor....

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

"TAIL END" -what a sad tale for a counselor....

Yes, I caught that typo right after I hit the post key. It must be the all-night grad party that took it out of me.

EDIT -- and the three other typos that were in there as well!

[Cobradad]

The reason I wonder about it being a solid lifter is I felt it was too quiet to not be hydraulic. But from following the forum I get the feeling that hydraulic lifters in a side oiler are rare. This was Bill S's car, so I'm hoping he chimes in. I will pick up an automotive stethoscope. Funny I never picked one up before. It's probably been 35 years since my last valve lash adjustment.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Cobradad

This was Bill S's car, so I'm hoping he chimes in. I will pick up an automotive stethoscope. Funny I never picked one up before. It's probably been 35 years since my last valve lash adjustment.

Right, ERA-188 with the tunnel port. I can't remember whether that's a solid or not -- I bet Chas remembers though.

[RICK LAKE]

Cobradad Have you changed the oil lately? Different brand or different weight?The other thing is doing a lash check on the rockers for clearance. You also want to keep a GOOD eye on this noise. It could be the begining of the camshaft ot lifters going bad. Driving the car at speeds is great for lubing all the parts. At idle you are not getting the same spray in the motor. If the motor has a windage tray you are getting even less. I will see Bill at the cobra meeting today at washingtons crossing in PA. Come on down if you have the time. Rick L.