<VV> Re: Loud knocking

[Kevmcclain@aol.com]

Hey everyone,
    Well, I replaced the blower, and idler bearings on the '61, and started 
her up today. As soon as I got it started I heard a loud knocking. The noise 
seems to be coming from the right side of the block, occurs whether or not the 
belt is on, and increases with engine speed. My crank pulley does not have any 
play, and it did not do this when last operated. I have not driven it in about 
3 to 4 weeks. After last months club meeting I started tossing my belt every 
couple of miles. At one point the engine temp light came on for a couple of 
seconds. I let the engine cool before continuing. I ended up having to be towed 
home. I checked the oil, and it is full, and clean. The engine was in neutral 
by the way. I though the noise sounded like a really loud lifter, although it 
did not seem to be rapid enough to be that. I tried putting my hand over each 
carb as well. The left almost caused the engine to stall, but it ran with my 
hand over the right carb. The idle, other than the noise was good, so it almost 
didn't seem like a vacuum leak. That test almost leads me to believe it is a 
valvetrain problem. Maybe a bent pushrod, a blown lifter, or worse yet a bent 
valve, or dropped valve seat. I do not have immediate access to a compression 
tester, or other diagnostic tools. hopefully over the weekend. I am wondering 
if anyone can help me, I know I can't describe the noise over the computer, 
but if any one cares to venture a guess. By the way, I had the topcover off a 
couple days ago, and saw no obvious problem, although I must admit I did not do 
a thorough inspection. I can''t believe my luck with this thing to date, it's 
been nothing but trouble interspersed with some good fun. What can you do? I 
just hope I don't have to sell it. It's getting harder to convince my wife, and 
myself for that matter that this isn't a lost cause. Well, that's it in a 
nutshell. Hopefully you guys can help shed some light on the subject. Thanks in 
advance. - Kevin McClain