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I need help in southern california with a 383 big block.

vtrigger77

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Location
Lake Elsinore CA
I hope everyone is having a great day. I need help with my dad's 1969 belvedere. We bought a used 383 for it and it has a ticking noise we can't figure out. We were told it was the lifters, so we installed new ones. the sound is still there. we pulled all rod bearings and they are all in great shape. We used a stethoscope and the sound is louder when you listen to the timing chain cover so that lead us to believe it was the fuel pump push rod. We removed the push rod and ran the engine but the sound is still there. it doesn't sound like a rod knock to me but i could be wrong. I really don't want to take it apart yet since we don't have experience with mopars. I hope there is someone out here that can come listen to the engine and tell us what is wrong with it. We live in Lake Elsinore CA.
 
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Once had a bolt on a power steering pump that was loose and rubbing the pulley. Drove me crazy trying to find it for a long time.
 
Take all th belts off

Automatic? Put it in gear, does th noise change?

Exhaust leak is a big tick noise source. What does it have, manifolds or headers?
 
You are in luck!
Because if it is valve train/lifter related, it is real easy to check. If the noise is louder on one bank, remove that side valve cover. Lay rag to collect oil spillage. With gloves on or rag over your fingers, engine idling, rest/push your fingers on the rockers one at a time. Sound will change when you find the culprit. Test other bank the same way.
 
After running the engine.....check all the rocker arms to see if there is any movement /clearance against the valve tips [lash].
Should be none with hydraulic lifters. If there is clearance.....lifter is bleeding down when it should be pumped up solid or pushrods are a bit too short.
Clearance would cause your tick obviously.
 
Dipstick hitting crank maybe? Dented oil pan? TQ bolts as mentioned above. Fan misaligned hitting something? Shaking exhaust shaking something else? I've seen them all. Don't forget sound travels too.
 
It could still be a lifter if the oil gallery ports have build-up. No oil pressure= tick.
You did say it was used but we have no idea of the condition.

Also after replacement you need to follow the same break in procedure as with a new camshaft.

You may just need to run it faster to pump up the offending lifter. ( If that is where the noise is coming from)

Just a couple suggestions.
 
Last edited:
I hope everyone is having a great day. I need help with my dad's 1969 belvedere. We bought a used 383 for it and it has a ticking noise we can't figure out. We were told it was the lifters, so we installed new ones. the sound is still there. we pulled all rod bearings and they are all in great shape. We used a stethoscope and the sound is louder when you listen to the timing chain cover so that lead us to believe it was the fuel pump push rod. We removed the push rod and ran the engine but the sound is still there. it doesn't sound like a rod knock to me but i could be wrong. I really don't want to take it apart yet since we don't have experience with mopars. I hope there is someone out here that can come listen to the engine and tell us what is wrong with it. We live in Lake Elsinore CA.
Could you please do me a favor? My car comes from Riverside and it is missing it's original engine. Please could you check the VIN on the side of your block and see if it matches OG109872. Many thanks
 
Any video you can post ? Need more info like auto or manual trans.
It is automatic. I will post a video as soon as i can.
Take all th belts off

Automatic? Put it in gear, does th noise change?

Exhaust leak is a big tick noise source. What does it have, manifolds or headers?
Yes automatic. I dont think it is an exhaust leak, it is definitely louder than that.
You are in luck!
Because if it is valve train/lifter related, it is real easy to check. If the noise is louder on one bank, remove that side valve cover. Lay rag to collect oil spillage. With gloves on or rag over your fingers, engine idling, rest/push your fingers on the rockers one at a time. Sound will change when you find the culprit. Test other bank the same way.
I will try this.
Could you please do me a favor? My car comes from Riverside and it is missing it's original engine. Please could you check the VIN on the side of your block and see if it matches OG109872. Many thanks
Yes i will check for you.
 
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