59 Galaxie 500

D

droman

Junior Member
So I just picked up a 59 Galaxie 500 with a 292/3spd manual. Car is in great shape. Car has not been driven for 30+ years. Started the engine yesterday using a temp gas can and many new components. Starts right up but idle is a bit high- probably vacuum leak due to original lines.
Engine has a pronounced tapping or almost a knocking. If I rev it slightly the noise sometimes goes away but returns at idle. I changed oil and added a quart of Marvel Mystery Oil. I have run about 1/2 can of Seafoam thru the carb while the engine was running. Noise still persists.
The engine has run for a total of about 20 minutes so far.
I'm hoping that something is stuck and will free up with running?
Any suggestions? I have average skills with average tools and an above-average love for old Fords.
Thanks,
Dave
 
Not sure how long the y-blocks had solid lifters, but the 292 in my 58 has solid lifters. Could be they need an adjustment after 30 years. These engines had oiling issues, you might have some old oil sludged up in there, I would make sure it is drained completely, and a crankcase full of fresh oil with a good Zinc content is in there, good luck, keep us posted, Mark
 
its possible you have a bent push rod, that happens when engines set a long time, one valve my stick in the guide and bend the push rod,or a broken valve spring, see if you can determine which side of the engine the tapping is coming from and pull that valve cover and check valve springs and push rods
 
Thanks to both replies to my post! I will pull the valve cover and inspect. I did have them off and installed new gaskets. The valvetrain/heads did not look sludged-up and had evidence of oil being up there. I guess I can pull the coil wire and have someone crank the engine while I watch the valvetrain?
If I do have a bent pushrod which sounds like the problem, can I replace it w/out pulling the head?
Thanks again!
 
You can R&R push rods without removing the heads, just make sure the lifter end of the rod goes into the socket in the lifter when installing. Y's can be run with the valve covers off without too much muss & fuss since the design of the head castings prevent oil from overflowing.

Y-blocks had solid lifters through the end of production.
 
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