So my 215 engine has developed a ticking sound since starting two weeks ago. I did the method where you disconnect one plug wire at a time from the distributor. Then you see if the ticking stops on a particular cylinder. I did that and the ticking did not stop with any cylinder. So any suggestions where the ticking sound is coming from? Spun bearing? Thanks, Scott
Ticking quite often originates in the valve train. Sometimes the ticking will go away during a short drive. Remove the rocker covers and have a good look. Spun bearing seem extreme. I'd put a oil pressure gage on it and see how that reads.
Always start with the simple things. As mentioned, the valve train is the usual source. Remove the valve cover and have a look. Bent/damaged push rod or rocker arms can cause a tap/tick. An exhaust leak in the exhaust manifold, at the head can sound like that too. Spun bearing would be the last thing I would think of.
Could be oil type your using. Have you changed oil and filter? Are you using conventional oil or something with a zzdp addictive?
So good news. I bought an oil pressure gauge. Pressure is at 33 psi just like the manual indicates. and after warming up the ticking stops. I think everything is OK with the engine. Thanks for all your help and suggestions. Scott
I’ve stripped down many 215’s and quite often I’ve found the oil passages from the rocker shaft pedestals down through the heads are blocked, these are very small passages and I’ve often wondered if drilling them out was an option. With the rocker shaft assembly removed, run a straight coat hanger down through the passage, followed by blowing it out with air. Also, thoroughly clean the rocker shaft assembly, it’s amazing how much crap accumulates inside those things.
...and then replace all the galled and worn parts that the lack of oil ruined. Wild Guess: Rocker arms, rocker shafts, pushrods are all worn. Lucky to save the valve tips. Pray for the valve stems, and that lack of oil cooling didn't ruin the valve springs. 'Course, the first step would be to run the engine with the valve covers off (one at a time to keep the mess minimized) and LOOK at the oil flow over the rockers and onto the valve retainers.
