Well here I am again posting another questions about my Edsel. It's a 1958 Edsel with the FE 361, recently replaced radiator and hooked up a temp gauge. It runs good right around 180 - 200 depending on grade and outside temp. So the other day I noticed, even if its running at that temp, that after a while of driving it will start to make a loud clacky noise under load. Not sure if it's valve related but I think it may be a lifter or something?? Anyone have any ideas?? I can be more specific if need be. Thanks!
Clacky noise under load. Does it sound like a coffee can full of pennies being shaken? If so, that's detonation. Detonation could be caused by carbon build up in the cylinders, a lean fuel mixture, oil contamination in the cylinder, and/or too much timing. Pull the plugs and look at them. If they have a peppery look on the porcelain, it's likely detonation.
This is like that AAMCO trans add on T,V, It made me Chuckle. Thanks, it also made me think fractured Flex Plate. That sound will also come and go then suddenly you won't Go no Mo. The Wizzard
Yes it does actually but would too advanced timing only cause it after it gets warmed up? Ill check the plugs either tonight or tomorrow. Thanks!!
Its funny you mentioned that because it will make a sound ike a bearing is sqeeling every once in a while and it comes from down below. I guess my Edsel is running short on life!
What would be a good timing for my 361?? Also, which port should my vacuum advance be on? Its an edelbrock 600 cfm fyi.
Unfortunatly 1958 timing numbers won't help ya if it's related to today's Fuel. "IF" your noise is detionation get a timing light on it and start retarding it 2 degrees at a time till it stops. Also know that's not a perminate fix. The vac hose should be connected below the ****erflys on the base plate. The Wizzard
I have it set at around 8 or 10 now and the vacuum is on the bottom but i cant remember if its on idle vacuum or load vacuum port. I would want load port correct?
Next time you gas up, go with a 1/2 tank of premium and go for a ride. Try to replicate what causes the noise. If it is diminished, you're talking about a detonation issue more than anything. The old Ford FE motors tended to have more valve train noise once they were warmed up. Bob
10-4. I usually run mid grade but it does have 10.5:1 from the factory so premium may be required and lead subs***ute?
I'd give the pump premium a try by itself first. The tops of the pistons and combustion chamber may be carboned up creating hot spots. Old timers would pour water down the carb while the car is running to break loose carbon deposits. I've done it before and it seemed to work somewhat. Bob
At that compression you need to run premium for sure, and maybe a shot of octane boost as well. I'm running 10.3:1 in my 327 and I only put premium in with the recommended amount of 104 octane boost and my detonation / pinging went away. It COULD be valves, but typically it would happen at high RPM's when they start to float...unless of course yours aren't properly lashed at all. Have you checked the lash at all?
That may have a rocker shaft instead of individual adjustable rockers, most FE motors of the era I've seen were that way. I've had a few that were louder once it was fully warmed up. Bob
Ya it doesnt have adjustable rockers i have already checked to make sure i dont have any bend pushrods or any valve train items loose. I will try checking timing and maybe some octane boost and keep my finvers crossed. Thanks everyone!
Do you have an oil pressure gauge? If so what are you running? I have my 361 out and am currently rebuilding it. My pressure dropped from 35 at idle to 5 in a matter of weeks. Turns out my oil pump pick up was clogged by carbon build up. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Did those have the same rocker oiling issues as other y blocks? Just might be the sound of worn arms or shafts needing more oil. Jack
Good points to consider the overall condition of the motor. How many miles on it, the sludge factor, etc. I've pulled FE valve covers to find the oil run-back p***ages totally clogged up with sludge. I've seen it where the sludge actually quieted down a noisy valve train. Putting a oil pressure gauge on it would be interesting and possibly scary. Getting deeper into it is a double-edged sword. I would just keep it running and get another motor together to replace the tired 361. Bob
Has the motor ever been sludged up in the past?,the original 352 that was in my wagon was so sludged that there was 3 inches of that **** in the oil pan that completely enclosed the pick up screen making it loose oil pressure when warmed up. It was so bad I am suprised it had any oil pressure at all.
My 59' 361 has hydrolic lifters, but I was under the impression the 58's were solid lifters? I rebuilt my motor last winter. Havent started it yet. I have never seen a motor that gunked up. I had to take a drill bit to the oil holes in the rocker shafts.
I will try to answer all questions here. So when I first got it I used an oil flush and have since chnged the oil a few times. I have ulled the valve covers, ran it and oil is coming up through all push rods and fyi is has a hydralic cam. I am unsure of miles or slidge in pan. The motor has been rebuilt at some point in time i think only because the motor is blue where it shoukd be yellow. Im sure the motor may be getting tired so i will run until i can no longer run.
If oil is coming through the push rods, something is awry. FE's oil through a p***age in the head to the rocker shafts. Have you looked at the plugs yet? I still say if you only hear it under load, look at timing. I;ve had the limiting tang break off on the mechanical advance cam (below the breaker plate) and that let the timing advance way too far. Also, disconnect and plug the vacuum advance feed line while you are diagnosing problems. One less variable in the mix. Get it dialed in on air/fuel/spark then hook the vac advance back up and tune that in last.
My 361 dropped pressure so I pulled the engine and here is what my oil pick up looked like. Lots of carbon built up under the intake manifold at the heat riser. Some of the **** broke free and went thru the oil system and clogged the oil pump pick up. I am currently rebuilding the engine. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Also, if the engine is blue, I would check to see if you have another FE in there instead of the 361. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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