Club Cobra Keith Craft Motorsports  

Go Back   Club Cobra > Engine Building, Tuning, and Induction > Small Block Talk

Keith Craft Racing
Nevada Classics
Main Menu
Module Jump:
Nevada Classics
Nevada Classics
Keith Craft Racing
Keith Craft Racing
Advertise at CC
Banner Ad Rates
Keith Craft Racing
MMG Superformance
MMG Superformance
March 2024
S M T W T F S
          1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31            

Kirkham Motorsports

Like Tree7Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #21 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 09:42 AM
patrickt's Avatar
Half-Ass Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 21,888
Not Ranked     
Default

I'm trying to think of a test you can do that doesn't carry a risk of doing damage, or the risk of screwing something up while you try and figure this out. You could change your oil, look for shiny stuff, maybe even cut the filter open, and if it comes out nice and clean, which I think it will, then just change that side's header gasket. If the oil comes out with a bunch of shiny stuff in it, then there's a problem that will require professional assistance.
Reply With Quote
  #22 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 09:52 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Frederick, CO
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA FIA 2158, ERA 427SC 649 sold
Posts: 169
Not Ranked     
Default

I think I would run the car with one spark plug wire on the right side disconnected at a time. If it is an exhaust leak the sound should dissipate when the affected cylinder is not firing. Spun rod bearings usually make more noise when RPMs are decreasing.
twobjshelbys likes this.
Reply With Quote
  #23 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 10:08 AM
patrickt's Avatar
Half-Ass Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 21,888
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 6TNCRZY View Post
I think I would run the car with one spark plug wire on the right side disconnected at a time. If it is an exhaust leak the sound should dissipate when the affected cylinder is not firing. Spun rod bearings usually make more noise when RPMs are decreasing.
Good idea. Pulling the wire won't hurt anything... unless you have a pacemaker in you.
Reply With Quote
  #24 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 10:42 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

Yea, I saw this video. It will show which cylinder is making noise, whether it's a bad lifter or a leaking header gasket I suppose.

https://youtu.be/Pu2RHsIGBXU

And next, I guess I'll change the oil and cut open my filter. Couldn't hurt aside from wasting fresh oil. lol

I got time. I'm still on lockdown! lol
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #25 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 10:55 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 618
Not Ranked     
Default Sure sounds like an exhaust leak to me...

Haven't seen any talk about the header to side-pipe flanges? Before i went to one use stover nuts, those things used to loosen and FALL OUT...

Not sure which car this is, FF have four holding them together, SPF have eight...

Tried there?
Tom Wells and Texasdoc like this.
__________________
Superformance 1764
Ford Racing 427 SB
Reply With Quote
  #26 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 11:32 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

Well, it's cylinder #6. See video. Noise totally goes away when that plug wire is removed.

https://youtu.be/w8tL6kpdXwQ

So that means it's either a bad lifter or the exhaust leak is isolated to that cylinder?

Does this test, and the fact that the noise goes away as RPM increases, tell me that it's not the rod bearings?
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #27 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 11:39 AM
PeteF's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Glastonbury, Ct
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA2041 sold 2021
Posts: 240
Not Ranked     
Default

Are you sure plug #6 is tight (fully torqued)?
Reply With Quote
  #28 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 12:48 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

Darn it! Where was that suggestion an hour ago before I pulled the header gasket! As soon as I read that I remembered that #6's cylinder's threads didn't feel good when I removed the plugs when I bought the car! Sure enough, it wasn't fully seated now. I pulled the plug and I guess I'll chase the threads now because look at the plug!

On another note, I did have a slight header gasket leak but on #5!

Anyone know what brand gasket this is? I may get the same one.
Attached Images
  
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #29 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 01:01 PM
patrickt's Avatar
Half-Ass Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 21,888
Not Ranked     
Default

Well that's a whole lot better than a spun bearing. I can see an "HTX" on the gasket so I'm going to guess it's an Edelbrock EnCore HTX-900. Try a thread repair on the head, replace the plug, and you should be all set.
Reply With Quote
  #30 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 02:54 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

New plug is installed after chasing the threads. 👍🏻

My paperwork for the heads says to use Fel-pro 1415. That's clearly not this gasket as it's metal filled. I'd prefer to use this one or one that holds up without using copper permatex, just to make the next repair easier. I'll try and match it, maybe call the prior owner.

But yes, MUCH better than a spun bearing! And it gave me something to do today. Lol
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #31 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 03:38 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

Oh, and THANKS everyone for the suggestions and for playing Name That Tick!
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #32 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 03:49 PM
patrickt's Avatar
Half-Ass Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 21,888
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamIsAdam View Post
... for playing Name That Tick!
That's actually one of Ellie's favorite games.
Reply With Quote
  #33 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 04:44 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Mill Valley, CA
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA FIA #2064 BOSS 302 CSX2047 sold
Posts: 179
Not Ranked     
Default

That was a great mechanical story with a happy ending. When I was in college
a friend had an MGA with a tick that we couldn't find. One day driving along
and BANG! A loose spark plug had finally unscrewed itself completely and fired
out of the block with enough force to dent the hood...from the inside!
Reply With Quote
  #34 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 04:47 PM
twobjshelbys's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Cobra Make, Engine: Shelby CSX4005LA, Roush 427IR
Posts: 5,449
Not Ranked     
Default

Great story, diagnosis, and thanks for following through with confirmation on the solution! So many times we hear "it's broken" but never get to hear about what fixed it!!!
__________________
Cheers,
Tony
CSX4005LA
Reply With Quote
  #35 (permalink)  
Old 06-14-2020, 04:56 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kit Coyle View Post
That was a great mechanical story with a happy ending.
Don't you just love a happy ending?


Quote:
Originally Posted by twobjshelbys View Post
Great story, diagnosis, and thanks for following through with confirmation on the solution! So many times we hear "it's broken" but never get to hear about what fixed it!!!
Agreed! These threads are almost worthless when they are filled with suggestions but no outcomes.

Well, I knew I was going to have to chase that spark plug hole in #6 next time I changed plugs, so at least that's fixed. And now I'll have a new header gasket to boot.

Anyone else wanna help ID that gasket? I can't find a matching Edelbrock. Like I said, the paperwork calls for Fel-Pro 1415, which is Edelbrock Exhaust Gaskets 7227, but that's clearly not what I removed.
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #36 (permalink)  
Old 06-15-2020, 07:02 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

Hey, I'm thinking this is my current gasket. Would you agree? I do have BBK headers, so this would make sense.

https://www.bbkperformance.com/exhau...-1-5-8-in.html

My local speed shop's web site lists it as being made from HTX-9000

https://www.skspeed.com/bbk-performa...er-gasket-set/

(Pic of my old gasket is above.)
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #37 (permalink)  
Old 06-15-2020, 06:20 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

Header gasket installed. Check.

HELL RIDE, I mean, test drive. Annoyed the neighbors. Check.

Let it cool down, retorqued header bolts then installed lock washers. Check.

Report back to Club Cobra. Check.

The engine sounds much better, better than before. I guess that exhaust leak was more prevalent than I realized.

Next up... windshield, tires, new mufflers, maybe new seats with head restraints. But those are all on different threads.
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #38 (permalink)  
Old 06-21-2020, 08:19 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 618
Not Ranked     
Default One thing ive learned...

Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamIsAdam View Post
Header gasket installed. Check.

HELL RIDE, I mean, test drive. Annoyed the neighbors. Check.

Let it cool down, retorqued header bolts then installed lock washers. Check.

Report back to Club Cobra. Check.

The engine sounds much better, better than before. I guess that exhaust leak was more prevalent than I realized.

Next up... windshield, tires, new mufflers, maybe new seats with head restraints. But those are all on different threads.

...its almost ALWAYS an exhaust leak. Also a tip, het some marker paint and put a dab on yor exaust fasteners, you can 1. See if they are there, and 2. See if theyve turnrd...my biggest fight has always been the header to side pipe flanges.
__________________
Superformance 1764
Ford Racing 427 SB

Last edited by tortuga; 06-21-2020 at 08:21 AM.. Reason: New thought
Reply With Quote
  #39 (permalink)  
Old 06-21-2020, 08:34 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Long Island, NY
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 205
Not Ranked     
Default

I have lock washers on, so that's good. The noise was the spark plug, but there was a small exhaust header gasket leak that compounded things. But I'll be checking those header bolts regularly just to be sure, plus recheck those flange bolts.
__________________
Adam
Fulfilling my lifelong dream to own a Cobra... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
MKIV FFR 347 cid, Levy T5, 3.55 3-link.

SOLD Replaced by something with a Flat-6

Reply With Quote
  #40 (permalink)  
Old 06-22-2020, 06:57 AM
Tom Wells's Avatar
Senior Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: St. Augustine, FL
Cobra Make, Engine: E-M / Power Performance / 521 stroker / Holley HP EFI
Posts: 1,912
Not Ranked     
Default

Adam,

Experience(!) has shown header bolts to be problematic - as in: they vibrate loose and back off, even falling out on occasion.

Similarly, lockwashers can be hit and miss. Sometimes they too fall out.

I ended up putting these on more than 30K miles ago - no regrets, no loosening: https://www.jegs.com/p/Stage-8/Stage...49275/10002/-1

I had to modify a few of them to clear the header primary tubes by grinding a relief in them. Otherwise not too hard to install.

Hope this helps,

Tom
__________________
Wells's law of engine size: If it matters what gear you're in, the engine's too small!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:43 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link: CC Policy
Links monetized by VigLink