so i just had a 402 engine put in from these builders in birmingham alabama. the guy putting the engine in called me today and told me that he finally got the engine up and running (first he had to find a new fly wheel, machine my old cam down so it would fit, and several other things).

but he said that he hears a 'tick' in the engine and that neither he or the 3 mechanics he had listen to it on a stethoscope could locate where it was coming from. we ran the engine at 3,000rpms for about 30 minutes to see if the engine would go out, but it didnt. pretty much it runs fine theres a just a mysterious tick that we can not identify. im posting this under advanced tech because i assume you guys have a lot of experience with engine building and what not. has anyone experienced anything similar? if the car would go for 30 minutes at 3000rpms is that enough evidence that whatever is making this noise will not cause problems later on? could the tick be something electrical like with my starter or something? im sorry im just out of ideas. i have put a lot of money into this car and love it to death. i havent driven it in over 6 months because of this whole mess and at this point i would be willing to take the car back even with this sound being made. i no thats not the best idea, but my only other option is to start back from square one which i dont have the money or time to do(i will be leaving for iraq in a few months and all i want is to drive this car before i leave lol) sorry for such a long post i just really need answers, neither me (im a mechanic with the army) the guy doing the work (who specializes in big blocks) or 3 other mechanics could find where this sound is coming from. so any ideas what it could be? maybe the builders screwed us? i dunno, but any help i will appreciate.

thanks in advance.

 

Does the tick speed up and slow down with the engine? Does it change pitch or intensity with temperature or rpm changes? Is your motor flat tappet or roller? Solid or hydraulic? Need some more info about the motor and what's happening.

 

Like was said above...MUCH more information is needed - You said the guy doing the work is a BBC specialist, does that mean that you are talking about a 402 BBC, is it an LS1 stroker? Stock rebuild? Parts list needed if it's not.

Tick at engine speed? 1/2 speed? etc.


I cant even tell you how hard it is to try and diagnose a noise that you are not present to hear.

 

thanks guys sorry for the lack of info. i will get all the info needed tomorrow and be back to you.

 

A video with sound might help with different rpm's.

 

ok sorry i havent been around. right now the guy is telling me that it is the bolts on the starter hitting the bell housing and that it wont damage the engine. i dunno tho