Re: Sticking valve?

Joe wrote: 
I have a 1972 Ford Mustang, 351 C, 4V.  It has the open chambers and
hydraulic lifters.  Never had a valve job, so cam and valves are
original.  Only has 32,000 miles.  When running, there is a "ticking"
noise coming from the number 8 cylinder.  Sounds like its valve
related, and my first thought was incorrect lifter lash adjustment.
But, because they are hydraulic lifters, there is nothing to adjust.
Vacuum is at a very steady 16.5 inches at idle, and there is no
flucuation in the vacuum to indicate a sticking valve.  Any suggestions
as to what this could be?

Sounds like a sticky lifter. You could try to flush the engine, but that has its own set of problems such as potentially turning your seals into soft goo. If it was my car, I'd do this:

Drain out 1/2 quart of oil.
Warm engine up to operating temp.
Add 1/2 quart of engine flush to oil (or half the amount recommended on the can).
Let the engine IDLE for 5-10 minutes. (IDLE!!!)
Drain oil and change filter (while it's still hot...be careful).
Refill with good synthetic like Mobil1 5W-40 "Truck & SUV formula" or whatever your favorite weight of oil is.

Cheers,

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: engine rebuild questions
    ... Engine has 120k and has the oil loss problems, ... Should valve guides normally be replaced? ... Your oil consumption problems MAY be due to worn valve SEALS which CAN be replaced without removing the head. ...
    (rec.autos.makers.saturn)
  • Re: engine rebuild questions
    ... Engine has 120k and has the oil loss problems, ... Should valve guides normally be replaced? ... An increase when wet indicates ring ...
    (rec.autos.makers.saturn)
  • Re: Engine fell apart at 59k mi - Why I will never buy another Chry...
    ... engine had been torn down in a dealership's repair shop, ... But as the engine was "off-site" from the dealership ... No oil change documentation was ... Now, as the camshaft lobes were having "issues", what about the valve ...
    (rec.autos.makers.chrysler)
  • Re: How hard is a valve adjustment?
    ... I'm guessing it is just that it needs a valve adjustment, the engine ... it was low on oil and the oil was pretty ... If these are solid lifters or no lifters at all, ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: How hard is a valve adjustment?
    ... I'm guessing it is just that it needs a valve adjustment, the engine ... and very low CO, of about 3.4 g/mi MAX, I replaced the plugs and put new ... it was low on oil and the oil was pretty ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)