Pulling off the highway after a 15 minute drive on Saturday, the slant began to emit a frightful sound. Pretty sure, based on what I've read here that it's a rod banging up against the block. <sigh> Well, at least I got to enjoy the super six and Dutra duals for almost 8 months.

Fortunately, I'd been planning to semi-retire the Swinger for some major work anyway, so I just got my Dad's old Ramcharger inspected earlier in the day to serve as a back-up (as opposed to buying a new car). (It's almost like the Swinger knew I'd arranged a back-up...)

I guess the nice thing is I can use this opportunity to install a nice cam and build a bulletproof bottom end, in case I decide to go with a turbo or supercharger in the coming years. So I'll probably be posting questions on engine-building over the next few months.

Any general suggestions? I have one of the group-buy T-5 bellhousings, and I'm trying to figure out if I should take advantage of the situation and swap in the 5-spd at the same time, or just stick with the auto for simplicity, and swap trannies after the engine is broken in. Thanks, gang!

_________________
vm

Are you sure it is a rod? My Duster made a knocking sound when it is idling because it had a loose torque convertor bolt. Tightened it back up and it is gone, for now.

_________________
82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

Try adding thicker oil.

_________________
Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

I have to say, I'm not SURE it's a rod, but that's what my gut's telling me. The sound came on all-of-a-sudden, and it's definitely coming from under the hood.

Reed, the knocking is there even when the engine is cold. Why thicker oil?

_________________
vm

Sometimes, as a motor ages and the bearings get worn, a knocking will appear when the motor warms up and the oil thins out. A thicker oil can help compensate for this by being "thicker" and cushioing the bearings a bit.

Not a real solution, but at least you won't hear the noise.

Before assuming ti is a rod going bad I would thoroughly inspect everything else.

_________________
Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Same thing happened to me.

I'll check the TC bolts (when it cools off outside!). Thanks!

_________________
vm

When your checking the converter bolts, have a helper turn the engine a little at a time with the fan or by the bolt in the crank (if you have one... bumping over with they key works as well) and inspect flexplate for any cracks.

If the converter bolts are fine, pull the plug wires out one at a time, and if the sound drops or stops then you found the one thats knocking.

If you think it hit the block at one point, wipe down the block and inspect for any cracks.

It can also be the flex plate to crank bolts. Ask me how I know.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Like Jeb said check the tourque converter bolts and the crank bolts. If they loosen up sounds just like a rod knock. Been there on the Slant and a 340. Thanks Ron Parker











It Aint Over Until I Win

Yeah when my TQ bolts came loose it made a real deep sharp, knocking noise that came from the back of the block. It happened when me and my best friend traded cars for a day, since we where both headed to the same cruise in that night. He drove my Duster and I drove his Nova. Well he brought my car back that night scared to death, afraid that he had really screwed up my engine because of the racket it was making. I had a general idea what it might be because the sound was really loud under the car. We got it up on a lift the next day and torqued it back down. Time will see if it holds.

He got the better end of deal because I changed his points for him and adjusted his carb. He had them sitting in the front seat and I was bored, so what the heck.

_________________
82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

Gee, I hope you guys are right. I'll crawl under there and check this weekend. Thanks a bunch! I'll let ya'll know...

_________________
vm