Flathead "Ticking Noise" Normal?

[58Regent]

The 251 in my 58 Dodge has a ticking sound. Is this normal? Should the valves be adjusted? It's definitely not a bottom end knock, more a sewing machine tick.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Todd

Edited June 19, 2010 by 58Regent

[55 Fargo]

The 251 in my 58 Dodge has a ticking sound. Is this normal? Should the valves be adjusted? It's definitely not a bottom in knock, more a sewing machine tick.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Todd

No doubt it could be that, or the fuel pump, mine does the same. I am content to live with a bit of a tic, rather than do a poor valve adjustment, and screw something up.

Others have done successful valve adjustments, do a search,there is a video too I believe detailing how to do a corrrect valve lash adjustment.....Fred

[Joe Flanagan]

My guess would be valves. I just went through this and had one noisy one that sounded a lot like a tick (actually more like a clack). I adjusted the valves and that was it.

[claybill]

my dodge 318 v8 ticks for 10 seconds when starting up....what is that?

then it quiets down...

bill

[Merle Coggins]

my dodge 318 v8 ticks for 10 seconds when starting up....what is that?

then it quiets down...

bill

Hydraulic lifters are loosing their oil when sitting and need to get pumped back up.

Merle

[Tom Skinner]

Dear 58Regent,

A noisy valve is a happy valve.

A Sowing Machine Click when the Engine is cold is fine.

When warmed up though it should quiet down some.

If not maybe a little Valve Adjustment is in order.

.08 for Intakes, .010 for Exhausts - Hot.

I keep my Exhaust Valves set at .012 because I like riding at highway speeds

for extended periods of time plus I live in NC where it stays HOT in the Summer.

Your probably fine, when a 251 sounds like a sewing machine you are right where you need to be. I have had 2 1948 Royals for many years, your good to go.

Tom

[Don Coatney]

Dear 58Regent,

A noisy valve is a happy valve.

A Sowing Machine Click when the Engine is cold is fine.

When warmed up though it should quiet down some.

If not maybe a little Valve Adjustment is in order.

.08 for Intakes, .010 for Exhausts - Hot.

I keep my Exhaust Valves set at .012 because I like riding at highway speeds

for extended periods of time plus I live in NC where it stays HOT in the Summer.

Your probably fine, when a 251 sounds like a sewing machine you are right where you need to be. I have had 2 1948 Royals for many years, your good to go.

Tom

I agree. I set my valves at .014" cold (both intake and exhaust) per my cam grinders recommendation. Over adjusting (not enough clearance) will lead to burning the exhaust valve and possibly burning the block rendering the block worthless. I have seen this in the real world.

[Andydodge]

The others are probably right regarding the noise being a valve, but I had a sort of ticking sound coming from the front on my 41 plymouth....stock 201......originally I thought it was the water pump bearing to the extent that I removed the water pump & installed a new one..........still tic,tic,tic........more checking found that the crank pulley was loose on the crank hub, the rivets were worn and allowed a small amount of movement, I ended up bolting the 2 together tho a few weld equidistant tacks would have also done the job........valves are probably the cause but have a look at the crank hub/pulley........you never know..........andyd

[58Regent]

It's pretty consistent, quieting down a touch when warmed up. I got my handy dandy mechanics stethoscope out tonight (it was still in the package unopened!) and it seemed to be loudest at the top, front of the engine. The good news is my new frost plug isn't leaking!

Todd

[TodFitch]

It's pretty consistent, quieting down a touch when warmed up. I got my handy dandy mechanics stethoscope out tonight (it was still in the package unopened!) and it seemed to be loudest at the top, front of the engine. The good news is my new frost plug isn't leaking!

Todd

Top front? Might be a valve. But it might also be the fuel pump.

[PatS....]

The ticking seems normal and harmless. Most Mopar flat sixes I have heard do it.

[tysouthwick]

Im pretty sure its the fuel pump, my neighbors 46 two ton makes the same sound