RE: Rough sounding engine

["TJ Noto" <tj@domain.elided>]

Mark,

See my comments below........
 
> I hate to play "name that vague engine sound" but I've never had a car
> with rod-knock, piston slap, or a detonation problem, so I lack a
> trained ear.
> 
> Here are the symptoms my 164S is exhibiting:
> 
> Under load, between 2000rpm and about 3500rpm, the engine has a loud
> sort of diesel-like sound.  The staccato nature seems to suggest that
> just one or two cylinders are responsible for the noise.   At idle, or
> high rpm the engine sounds more or less like my Verde.

Could it be timing related?  If the knock goes away AFTER the
acceleration it might be a big end (con-rod bearing).  Chela's GTV did
this and upon engine disassembly I found a wasted con-rod bearing.  I
still don't know what the cause of the failure was as the rest of the
con-rods are in fine shape.


> 
> The big unknown gnawing at my gut, is the great gobs of RTV the
previous
> dumbass owner/mechanic used to seal the valve covers.  I have bad
dreams
> that it's blocking oil passages, starving rod bearings, and is
> ultimately responsible for the noise.

There ought to be a law.  I've seen more engines with gross amounts of
sealer than I care to mention.  I think this must be one of the clearest
signs that someone doesn't know what the hell they're doing.  It's right
up there with using pliers to turn camshafts on Alfas, and
over-tightening many nuts, bolts and fasteners.

Experienced mechanics know a little goes a long way when it comes to
that stuff, and that liberal use can cause big time problems.

Regards,
TJ
 

TJ Noto		AFM #134  	Cowpoke Racing-"Friends in Slow Places"
http://www.cowpokeracing.com
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