[Spridgets] Engine knock

[pcasey at hawaii.rr.com]

Hi Michael- When did it knock, at idle, or only at higher rpms? -and did you have good oil pressure at various engine speeds?  Just my $0.02, but if I was trying to track the knock down, I would first check the top end: valve lash (which would be an indicator of valve issues), worn rocker bushes, etc.  On the bottom end, check each rod and main bearing clearance, one at at a time, with plastigage, and while each rod is free, wiggle it around in all directions, and up and down, to check for play/worn wristpin, or broken/damaged/excessively worn piston.  Also check thrust bearing clearance (fore and aft).  Let us know what you find-

Patrick
Kailua, HI


---- Michael Rowe via Spridgets <spridgets at autox.team.net> wrote: 
> I am finally getting around  to looking at the 1098 engine I pulled from the Holy Sprite because it was  making fatal knocking noises somewhere in the rear.  (Note that this does not mean that the @#$% new  engine has started!)  I thought that it might be inadequate torquing and/or a broken bearing.  There are no pieces in the pan.  Maybe a bent valve shaft.
> 
> The valve cover and pan are  off, and I  can easily turn the engine over with a wrench.  I find nothing obviously loose or otherwise amiss.  It does not rattle when turned sharply back and forth.  
> 
> Is there something that might knock under load when the engine is running well, but not under no load on the stand?  If I take the head off, will valve problems be obvious?
> 
> Michael Rowe
> The Holy Sprite