Engine noise in a '64 327/300

[Garry E.]

Yesterday, my freshly re-built 327/300 started making a "slapping" noise that seems to be coming from the right side of the engine. The sound started gradually, getting louder as the rpms increased. As the rpms dropped, the sound decreased in volume but still remained. I have eliminated the water pump and alternator pulley as sources of the noise. I've pulled off the valve cover on the right side and the rocker arms, push rods, valve springs all appear okay. I had new lifters (hydralic) put in during the rebuilt and I am thinking that one of them has gotten "stuck" (?)

Also, since the sound seems to be close to the timing cover area, I wonder if there could be a problem with the timing chain (also replaced during the rebuild. I just don't know what a "bad" timing chain would sound like.

Any thoughts on how I should proceed with the diagnosis and repair?

Garry Eastwood
#38705

[Timothy B.]

Re: Engine noise in a '64 327/300

Garry,

I would look at the easy obvious things before taking anything apart. How about the inspection cover making contact with the turning flywheel. If the noise was not there before have you done anything to the engine?? How long has it been sitting since last run??

[Edward J.]

Re: Engine noise in a '64 327/300

Garry. Does The Noise Sound Like A Lifter Type Noise(ticking) , Ive Seen A Few Problems With Broken Fuel Pump Springs-causing Excessive Clearances Between The Pump Arm And Push Rod- Take A Long Screwdriver And Put One End On Pump And The Other To Ear While Ruunning,to Listen To Pump.thanks Ed

[Joe L.]

Re: Engine noise in a '64 327/300

Yesterday, my freshly re-built 327/300 started making a "slapping" noise that seems to be coming from the right side of the engine. The sound started gradually, getting louder as the rpms increased. As the rpms dropped, the sound decreased in volume but still remained. I have eliminated the water pump and alternator pulley as sources of the noise. I've pulled off the valve cover on the right side and the rocker arms, push rods, valve springs all appear okay. I had new lifters (hydralic) put in during the rebuilt and I am thinking that one of them has gotten "stuck" (?)

Also, since the sound seems to be close to the timing cover area, I wonder if there could be a problem with the timing chain (also replaced during the rebuild. I just don't know what a "bad" timing chain would sound like.

Any thoughts on how I should proceed with the diagnosis and repair?

Garry Eastwood
#38705

Garry-----


I agree with Tim; the very first thing I would check is if the flywheel is contacting the bellhousing lower cover. That's very common and very easy to check. Remember, sound travels and it can fool you as to where it's emanating from.

As far as the timing chain goes, if a new timing SETwas installed when the engine was rebuilt and if it's the CORRECT set and properly installed, I doubt very much a problem with it. A loose timing chain can contact the cover and cause a noise, but if the chain was tight when installed, I doubt this. However, if the crank sprocket was not driven fully on the crankshaft, that might cause a chain contact problem. If the timing cover is distorted in any way, that's another possibility for a contact problem. There's not too much clearance between the chain and the timing cover.

[Edward J.]

Re: Engine noise in a '64 327/300

Garry, If The Flywheel Sheild Is The Problem - Its Makes A Tinney Noise ,it Can Be Felt By Placing Your Hand On Sheild While Running, Be Careful Of Hot Engine Pipes.if Your On Your Back.

[Joseph K.]

Re: Engine noise in a '64 327/300

Everyone is right. Engine noises are tough to diagnose unless we can actual hear it. I agree that you should start with the less costly items. My first reaction to the slapping was a rod bearing, piston slap, or a bad fuel pump. I would interested in what you find out.

Joe

[Douglas L.]

Re: Engine noise in a '64 327/300

Garry,

Went through this on a rebuilt 427. The problem turned out to be a "tight" wrist pin causing piston slap. Standard pistons were re-used and the block was cross hatched with no overbore. This was a rebuilt motor that came with the car when purchased. The slap was louder when letting off the accelerator after revving.

[Jack H.]

Re: Engine noise in a '64 327/300

Joe and others are right about noises being tough to localize...

On the issue of timing chain, it's a pretty rare situation but it DID happen to me on a 350 that was recently rebuilt! The drive gear was an 'escape' that managed to get out without heat treat hardening. The timing chain 'ate' into the drive gear causing it to 'shrink' to the point there was 'slack' in the chain and it 'slapped' against the timing chain cover.

All of the experts declared this couldn't be a problem...until one day my timing chain 'jumped' the drive gear and push rods turned to spaghetti! Needless to say, the engine required a MAJOR overhaul...

So, while the condition is NOT one that's common, pulling the water pump and removing the timing cover to visually inspect/verify the integrity of the timing chain on the crank/cam gears isn't that big of a hardship considering the potential damage that MIGHT occur IF you happen to have an issue in this area of the engine...