Subject: Re: What a Racket !
Author: Brendan Swords
Date: Dec 18, 2000, 5:44 AM
Post ID: 1704511851
I just had the exact same noise you described - on my '72 El Dorado. It was
fine under load - either accelleration or decellaration - but when I backed
off the throttle and just maintained speed, a loud knocking noise seemed to
come from under the right valve cover. I checked rocker clearance several
times - I even replaced the rocker arm bearing because it seemed a bit loose
- no change. I pulled the head and everything looked OK. Then I pulled the
piston & cylinder and the piston rod was way too loose - wiggled all over the
place. The big end bearing shell was all chewed up. Fortunately the crank
appeared to suffer no damage and the other rod was just fine. I replaced the
bearing. I'm assuming that the problem is fixed - while I reassembled
everything, I haven't yet started it up because of the weather (cold) and I
also have the headlamp shell off for painting (so I have no electrical
system).
I'm hoping this isn't the cause of your problem - I also hoped that it
wasn't mine, but evidently the loose rod caused what seemed to be a valve
train noise.
Regards,
Brendan