Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications 3.0L Duratec Check it out..............

I've hear that sound in many engines and it sounds like lifter chatter.

Have you checked the Oil Pressure in the Heads ?

Av gas, the very high alcohol content stuff which, to my knowledge, still have lead or lead substitutes. Some even have nitro if I'm not mistaken??? Not sure which designation it is for sure, sold to regular gasoline piston engine plane owners. A friend is into planes, sorry I'm not so much help there. The stuff I remember is pink-ish colored...

80/86 petrol. It's called "low-lead" which is different than jet fuel. Colors are used to prevent people from making mistakes. Strange thing though, you can be color-blind and yet still be fueller...

Well it's up to the PIC to ensure he/she has the proper grade of fuel in his tanks. I don't think the FAA will have any mercy on you trying to blame it on the fueler.

Since we have hydraulic lifters, I would care to concur on it being the lifters. Check the oil pressure. Also, if you let the engine warm up, does it go away (pumping up the pressure)? Was this a cold start?

I vehemently disagree with that being lifter noise. Even when I fired up my 3L the first time, I had lifter noise for at least 20-30 seconds, and it was much softer than that. Once the pressure got up there it was gone of course, but it didn't sound like that.
Besides, its a new lower end, the pump is obviously getting enough pressure to the rods and mains because there are no 'deep' tones coming from the lower end. That would leave a complete restriction in the oil supply galleys going to the heads to have no pressure up there. Thats not likely that both heads would be restricted.

warmonger

You're right Trevor. You should pull the valve covers (after the intake) and take a look in there to make sure a follower didn't fall off or get cocked... Don't think a hydraulic lash adjuster (no lifters in our engines) would make that noise by itself though. Would think a mechanic would know to check all of these things before saying something as drastic as piston slap...

EDIT: Sixpipes, which head gaskets were used BTW... {a sickening hunch}

Ok, last post since this is gettin OT:

Just think 1980's, Air Canada, first B767 delivery. First dead stick landing of a "heavy". Who got blamed?

It's still the responsibility of the Pilot In Command (PIC) to determine that the aircraft is airworthy.

Of course on something as large as a 767, it may be a little more difficult to climb up on the wing and check the tanks and test the fuel.

Ok, back on topic.

Sixpipes, did you diagnose your shiit yet?

I am VERY curious to find out what you found.

warmonger