Exhaust leak sounds like a broken engine
 

Just wanted to pass along my latest fustration/scare.

I just finished assembling this 3.2L short stroke engine a week or two ago. Got it started and heard this rather frightening noise that sounds like a broken rocker or some metallic object banging the valve covers quite hard.

Turned out to be a small exhaust leak right at the head because a few of the exhaust flanges were warped... I only noticed this because a) the motor ran smoothly, not like one with a broken rocker/bent valve, b) a stethascope revealed no internal engine noises.

So I went underneath and found carbon trails by the exhaust flanges. Heated and straightened them and replaced the gaskets and now she purrs like a kitten -- A MEAN and ANGRY kitten. :D

Just an FYI

should have disassembled it and started over! :D