checking values

1

1929tudor

Senior Member
If I remove the spark plugs so the engine doesn't start and drain the oil Is it ok to remove the value cover and crank the engine over a few times to see how the valve are working without any damage? Or is it best to hand crank it? Got a noise and might be from there but not totally sure. Kind of a clicking or knocking noise. Could be a bunch of things i know but was going to start there . Thanks
 
Use a mechanics stethoscope and listen while the engine is running (fan belt removed!) and you can find out where to look. They are cheap to by at the auto parts store
 
I do it to eliminate as much as possible leaving only the engine. I also have somwon in the car to press down on the cluch as well. Of course if the noise goes away it could be the waterpump or the clutch.
 
J Franklin said:
Use a mechanics stethoscope and listen while the engine is running (fan belt removed!) and you can find out where to look. They are cheap to by at the auto parts store
Click to expand...

I'm too cheap and in a hurry. I take a 2-3' length of wood, maybe a 1"x1", grasp my hand around one end and bring my hand to my ear. Take the other end and move it to different areas of the engine. Works for me.
 
I do have a mechanics stethescope and moved it around to find the noise. There are different sounds so I'm not knowledgeable enough to figure out what it is the right sound or what is not normal. The noise isn't loud. Sounds like maybe around the distributor or value area. I'll play with it somemore.
 
One of these days I intend to start compiling recordings of Model A engine sounds, both normal and abnormal, and post them on the Internet. I am working on the design of a stethoscope / microphone device to capture the sounds. The audio signal would then be connected to a video camera so the viewer could see where the probe is placed and hear the sound produced.

A stethoscope can provide a wealth of useful information, but only if one knows what the sounds mean. This requires experience, either individual or communal.

Soon I will start a thread soliciting recommendations for the project.
 
pdora said:
One of these days I intend to start compiling recordings of Model A engine sounds, both normal and abnormal, and post them on the Internet. I am working on the design of a stethoscope / microphone device to capture the sounds. The audio signal would then be connected to a video camera so the viewer could see where the probe is placed and hear the sound produced.

A stethoscope can provide a wealth of useful information, but only if one knows what the sounds mean. This requires experience, either individual or communal.

Soon I will start a thread soliciting recommendations for the project.
Click to expand...
i would do this little thin with oil in the engine just pull out the coil wire.
 
Pete, That would b a great idea recording the sounds. I have a stethescope but not sure what sounds are correct and what are not. So if I listen to the engine and there is a noise not sure if it is normal or not. naturally a loud one isn't normal, but the one I have isn't loud just something doesn't sound right so i took the stethoscope but can't pinpoint it.
 
Cranking the engine with the valve cover off would be OK for a bit. The rods would get oil from teh dipper tray, and you could put some oil in the valve chamber compartments, or use an oil can, to get oil to the mains and cam. There would probably be enough residual oil anyway for some cranking. However, before taking the valve cover off, I would crank it with no plugs and see if you get the noise at cranking speed. I had a valve area noise but it would only come on after start up. You might check for excessive play of the thrust washers in teh dist or if you take it down excessive end play of the intermediate dist shaft. \
Pete: Love the idea of a "sound bank"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top