Valve "tick"

[leecovill]

I have a 63 102 that when the engine gets warm it makes a noise like the lifters are out of adjustment. Have narrowed this noise down to the center cylinder on the drivers side. Have replaced and correctly adjusted all the lifters on that side to no avail. Heads were professionally rebuilt about 3500 miles ago. Compression is all within 5 lbs on all cyl hot and cold. Engine only has 20000 on a professional rebuild also. Could a head gasket be the cause?

[Corvair.crazy]

Head gasket, maybe. Or an exhaust leak. When the engine warms up maybe the exhaust log pulls away from the donut??

[leecovill]

Also replaced all the donuts. What is a good way to check the head gasket without pulling the head?

[martyscarr]

Also replaced all the donuts. What is a good way to check the head gasket without pulling the head?

A leakdown test will easily determine if you have a head gasket problem.

Chasing a "tick" noise in a Corvair can be frustrating - it's often very difficult to find. I know you said the heads were rebuilt, but worn valvetrain components that "look good" can make a noise that mimics a lifter problem.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

Marty Scarr

[leecovill]

Thanks Marty will give that a try. This is vair #6 for me and #45 in the family, and yes it can be frustrating

[leecovill]

Leak down test is good. Guess its time to pull the head and see whats up, unless anyone has any other suggestions

[martyscarr]

Leak down test is good. Guess its time to pull the head and see whats up, unless anyone has any other suggestions

If you get one of these spring compressors: http://www.amazon.com/KD-2078-Universal ... B0002STSGC you won't have to pull the head. You can compress the spring and disassemble it while the head is still on the engine. You can keep the valve up by removing the spark plug and putting a piece of rope in the cylinder and bringing the piston up slowly to keep the valve in place.

Look for a worn retainer and/or valve locks, wear in the rocker ball or rocker. Check this post http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.ph ... msg-347729 about the same problem.

HTH

Marty Scarr

[leecovill]

Great info Marty thanks a bunch, sounds like it just might be it.

[leecovill]

took everything apart and found nothing, all looks like it should for only having 20k on it. So i am at a total loss. Off with the head i guess. Hoping its a head gasket. Its also been suggested to look at the piston skirts as this could also be a possible culprit. At this point I will try anything.

[leecovill]

Ok so heads off and once again found nothing out of sorts. Weak valve spring????? How does one check this???? will Probably just replace and hope at this point. Any ideas?????

[Mike D]

Im in the middle of chasing a similer tick in my motor. Is there some way to check the lifters on the car? How easy should they be to push in? ect ect.

The motor is a fresh rebuild (in terms of cylenders, pistons, rings and bearings) also installed roller rockers. But i did not install new lifters,

This motor is starting to frustrate me pretty good

[leecovill]

You should not be able to push in the lifters once they are pumped up. Not familiar with roller rocker's or how they are adjusted. Still awaiting parts to arrive ( new springs). Would definitely check your exhaust gaskets on the manifold, as these also can contribute to this.