Sudden engine noise?

[1969GTS]

So, I just got this 340 running and have not driven it or revved it up past about 3,000 Rpm. Out of no where it woke up with a knock in the top end. I’ve listened to it with a stethoscope and I can hear the tick in the front driver side intake and exhaust runners. The oil is cloudy but not milky. I’m thinking a lifter as the engine sat for years. I’m going to pull the top end apart but would like some theories from others. I may loose this cam anyway as its huge for the street. The 3500 stall will go as well.

Thanks

Dave

 

[demon seed]

I'd put my money on one or more lifters gone flat. Sometimes if you can run it for 10-15 minutes it'll come back to life.

Terry

 

[1969GTS]

Lets hope so. Weird that it just happened out of no where.

 

[demon seed]

Lets hope so. Weird that it just happened out of no where.

Not really, I got a 383 that if I don't run it for a month or more 1 lifter will tap on startup for about 3-5 minutes. As long as it comes back to life I ain't touching it.

Terry

 

[1969GTS]

If its not broken don't fix it. Huge valve springs on this engine, hope I didn't wipe a lobe.

 

[1969GTS]

Took the valve covers off today. Either I have a soft lifter in the number one intake or those huge valve springs wiped a lobe off. C@*P! At6 any rate, I'm pulling the motor to paint the engine bay in a few weeks, I'll tear the top end off and see what I have. I was thinking about loosing the radical cam, springs and 3500 stall any way. I still want a aggressive cam but one thats more street able. The 3500 continental stall may get swapped for a 2200, too bad as its only got about three passes on it but I don't want to deal with the overheating it will likely bring while out cruising.

 

[1969GTS]

Hmmm, discovered a ton of water in the oil and the two soft lifters are on the 1 and 8 cylinders. I drained the oil and water, flushed to oil with some new stuff and the lifters are settling down. With the opposite corner lifters taking on water I'm guessing not only have the intake gaskets leaked nut quite possibly the intake may be warped. Anyone had an intake warp before? I know one of the former owners bought the holley strip dominator used. I'll pull it off and see if I can find any evidence of leakage. The next problem will be choosing an intake. I'm leaning toward the preformer RPM.