The Ford Barn

Bill Goddard · 12-20-2021, 10:29 AM

My engine has a ticking noise that increases with rpm and can be heard at idle when stopped. I think it is a valve clearance noise. If it is valve noise is it normal? I have heard it on some other A's but not all. Thanks, Bill G

Patrick L. · 12-20-2021, 11:36 AM

Try to locate the noise. If its coming from the valve cover its probably valve lash. Removing the cover will allow for checking the lash and determining if you have non-adjustable or adjustable lifters. [ manifolds don't have to be removed for this.]

Is the noise normal ? Yep, that is, a certain amount is normal.

TerryH · 12-20-2021, 11:53 AM

You might also want to check your timing gear. Mine started making a slight noise before it let go….

Fullraceflathead · 12-20-2021, 12:20 PM

Sometimes a valve will start sticking in these engines due to varnish from old fuel because the spring tensions are very low compared to an overhead valve engine doesn't take much for the valve to stick

WHN · 12-20-2021, 05:23 PM

Please don’t start taking things apart.

Marvel Mystery Oil in your gas should help you out.

If you have a higher mileage engine you might also want to change your old to 20W-50 along with one blue bottle of STP as the last half quart.

This is my standard first advise on what you have said your car is doing. In most cases that I am aware of, it has done the trick. Good luck.

Enjoy.

nkaminar · 12-20-2021, 06:47 PM

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Ticking noise can some from a variety of sources. Excess valve clearance, sticking valves, cam moving, cam gear loose, loose rod bearings, distributor shaft binding, knocking due to timing too advanced, worn timing gear, more. If you can, take a video and publish it here. Does the ticking go away when you retard the ignition? It is louder under load, under no load, during decelerating, when the engine is cold or warm? The more information the better we will be able to help.

1crosscut · 12-20-2021, 07:20 PM

Buy a mechanics stethoscope and see if you can narrow it down a bit as to where it is coming from.

Mad Mac · 12-20-2021, 07:50 PM

My ticking noise turned out to be a blown manifold gasket

Bill Goddard · 12-23-2021, 01:53 PM

I will check these things this weekend. Thanks

12-20-2021, 10:29 AM	#1
Bill Goddard Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Shrewsbury,Pa Posts: 513	Engine ticking noise My engine has a ticking noise that increases with rpm and can be heard at idle when stopped. I think it is a valve clearance noise. If it is valve noise is it normal? I have heard it on some other A's but not all. Thanks, Bill G

12-20-2021, 11:36 AM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Engine ticking noise Try to locate the noise. If its coming from the valve cover its probably valve lash. Removing the cover will allow for checking the lash and determining if you have non-adjustable or adjustable lifters. [ manifolds don't have to be removed for this.] Is the noise normal ? Yep, that is, a certain amount is normal.

12-20-2021, 11:53 AM	#3
TerryH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fountain Valley, Calif. Posts: 937	Re: Engine ticking noise You might also want to check your timing gear. Mine started making a slight noise before it let go….

12-20-2021, 12:20 PM	#4
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,176	Re: Engine ticking noise Sometimes a valve will start sticking in these engines due to varnish from old fuel because the spring tensions are very low compared to an overhead valve engine doesn't take much for the valve to stick __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask

12-20-2021, 05:23 PM	#5
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,824	Re: Engine ticking noise Please don’t start taking things apart. Marvel Mystery Oil in your gas should help you out. If you have a higher mileage engine you might also want to change your old to 20W-50 along with one blue bottle of STP as the last half quart. This is my standard first advise on what you have said your car is doing. In most cases that I am aware of, it has done the trick. Good luck. Enjoy.

12-20-2021, 06:47 PM	#6
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Engine ticking noise Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Ticking noise can some from a variety of sources. Excess valve clearance, sticking valves, cam moving, cam gear loose, loose rod bearings, distributor shaft binding, knocking due to timing too advanced, worn timing gear, more. If you can, take a video and publish it here. Does the ticking go away when you retard the ignition? It is louder under load, under no load, during decelerating, when the engine is cold or warm? The more information the better we will be able to help. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

12-20-2021, 07:20 PM	#7
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,909	Re: Engine ticking noise Buy a mechanics stethoscope and see if you can narrow it down a bit as to where it is coming from. __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

12-20-2021, 07:50 PM	#8
Mad Mac Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: New Zealand Posts: 366	Re: Engine ticking noise My ticking noise turned out to be a blown manifold gasket

12-23-2021, 01:53 PM	#9
Bill Goddard Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Shrewsbury,Pa Posts: 513	Re: Engine ticking noise I will check these things this weekend. Thanks