Noisy valvetrain? NOT!!!

[RECHRGD]

Some of you may remember a couple of years ago when I did a cam and head change on the 440.  I went with a high lift extreme energy comp cam, Pro magnum lifters and crane gold roller rockers.  From day one it was very noisy and most people I talked to just chalked it up to the type of components used in the build as all being noisy.  I did get it somewhat quieter once by getting the headers bolt tighter, but it was still irritatingly noisy!  A few days ago at a stop light I thought I had a lifter bleed down because it started making that beautiful noise like someone was inside the engine banging a hammer.  Just for giggles I checked the header bolts and found some pretty loose ones.  I tightened up the ones I could with the tools that I had with me and started toward home.  After a couple of miles the noise quieted down and actually sounded better than before.  The next morning I was able to check the remaining bolts and found two more loose ones.  The car now has absolutely no ticking noise at all!!!!  I'm very happy about it, but am at a loss as to why the gasket decided to finally seal after all this time.  I've probably checked the bolts 2 or 3 time previous to this and it never got any quieter.  But I'm not complaining.  Bob

[firefighter3931]

Right on Bob....glad to hear you're happier with the car ! 

The XE cams are a little noisier than most hyd cams....but with an adjustable rocker arm it can mostly if not totally be eliminated. Increased lifter pre-load helps. 


And so does a properly sealing header gasket. 


Ron

[RECHRGD]

Thanks Ron!    It's like driving a completely different car and I'm not embarrassed anymore by having an engine the sounds like it's in need of repair.  I should have looked more closely into the exhaust leak possibility early on. 
I bought a higher quality set of gaskets, but haven't installed them as yet.  I'm afraid to touch it.    Bob

[firefighter3931]

Bob,

I've had excellent results with the Percy's dead soft aluminum MLS (Multi Layer Steel) gaskets. They are re-usable too ! 

Exhaust leaks can be so annoying.    And it's so rewarding once they're fixed. 



Ron

[Runner]

glad to hear its all better.  i agree with ron on the perceys gaskets, but if it aint leaking now then i wouldnt mess with it .    ill be at the track on suday with a friend helping him with his demon,  i think im done racing for the year, i couldnt get any weather under a corrected  4500 feet this year.   are you going to be at palouse on saturday?

[RECHRGD]

glad to hear its all better.  i agree with ron on the perceys gaskets, but if it aint leaking now then i wouldnt mess with it .    ill be at the track on suday with a friend helping him with his demon,  i think im done racing for the year, i couldnt get any weather under a corrected  4500 feet this year.   are you going to be at palouse on saturday?

Hi Mike!  Good chance we'll be at Palouse.  Hope to see you guys there.  Bob

[Runner]

im not sure if ill be there or not bob,  if i am ill be just driving up to look around, sue does wedding photography and has a wedding on saturday.  mabe i can talk my daughter into running up with me

[RECHRGD]

im not sure if ill be there or not bob,  if i am ill be just driving up to look around, sue does wedding photography and has a wedding on saturday.  mabe i can talk my daughter into running up with me

Well I'm not sure either, but I'm sure leaning toward going.  I'll be doing the "Just Park it Tour" on Sunday.  In years past they have ended the cruise at the track.  So maybe there's a chance we could see you there also.  Bob