Head Gasket Complete, starts, what's with the ticking?

WarWagon · Post by **WarWagon** » 28 Mar 2009, 01:53

I am happy to report that with allot of help from this forum, I completed the removal/replacement of my head gasket to include a new head from Clearwater Cylinder Head. Car started all was well... I think.? Now keep in mind I haven't heard the car run since November 2008, but I don't remember the ticking/clicking, which sounds like the valves. It seems to be uniformed throughout the motor. Is there a "break in" period for this. I am pretty sure the folks at Clearwater told me they did all the valve adjustments and torques, so it was an unpack and install head. Could I be off a tooth on either the exhaust or intake pulley? I think I might take off the timing belt cover and check the allignment again. I know it's allot of questions but, any suggestions?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 Mar 2009, 05:23

If it hasn't been run in awhile you might get some ticking at least at first- I assume you didn't touch the lower section (oil pan off?)...and oil pick-up lines are fine. You can take the oil filler cap off (idling) and see if oil is being pulled up to the top of the engine and spilled out over the cams. If all looks good then I would think that after a bit of running things will quieten down quite a bit. Of course it would be prudent to check your timing marks if you have any doubt but typically if you have a tooth off you would not have power and your car would exhibit much more than the ticking- some exhaust issues (smoke for instance) and some idling issues. Good luck and let us know how things go.
Btw, were you please with the service and the head you got from Clearwater?

Post by **mrreilly** » 29 Mar 2009, 22:13

I had the very same problem after my head gasket repair. It did go away, but I don't recall how long after the repair that is finally stopped. It doesn't hurt to check your alignments though and make sure everything looks good. I know I watched mine several times after I got it running.

S40_guy · Post by **S40_guy** » 30 Mar 2009, 02:01

The ticket sound is normal after a head job, it takes a while for the valve lash adjusters to pump up with oil. Drive it slowly and don't beat it, the tick will go away after a few miles.

WarWagon · Post by **WarWagon** » 30 Mar 2009, 14:24

My paranoia was just that. All is well and the ticking is gone. All my timing marks were still good and now the motor sounds great. This project was a true confidence builder and after all was said and done, only two screws were left, they were for the fan shroud which I replaced with different hardware. The shadetree mech in me is now looking for another project for the car. I washed and waxed it yesterday, so I guess I'll need to find something else that doesn't cause any more gray hair. Thanks to all but specifically Ozark Lee, MadeInJapan, bigric, bobsnow, S40_guy, mrreilly, and C@lvin. You guys made time under the hood less painful and an ultimate success. Also FCP Groton and Clearwater Cylinder Head are great places to do business. More good news, Clearwater will give military discount too, which made the project more affordable. See you guys on the highways. Semper Fidelis. Mike