Newly Rebuilt 82 SC Ticking Noise

[99boxster559]

Hi all, I recently finished rebuilding my first 82 SC engine and got it in the car running and driving with no major problems other than a couple chain tensioner line leaks. Around 30 miles of driving the car after the rebuild i noticed a ticking noise that is present when both hot and cold. It increases with RPMs. Could the valves already be out of adjustment at this point? I checked the heat exchanger nuts, some were barely out of torque. Tightening these did not get rid of the noise, they are new SSI exchangers, so I'm led to believe it is not an exhaust leak. Could the newly rebuilt rockers settle out of alignment this quickly? Ive seen some break in procedures stating that adjustment is needed right after initial fire up, but the pelican book says not until 1000 miles. I will have a video soon of the noise. Thanks!

[GH85Carrera]

Get a stethoscope for automotive use. They have a long probe that can reach into a tight area. Listen to figure out just where the noise if coming from. It could be the alternator, the fan or the valves or other areas. Place the stethoscope on the fan shroud, valve covers, and so forth.

A funny noise can be a challenge to find.

[99boxster559]

I have one of those I'll give it a try! Just nervous that its a serious issue after the long and tedious rebuild process.

[Damon88]

I just had a similar issue with my new rebuilt 83 engine. Turns out the valves were out of adjustment. Only had 200 miles on new engine and started to worry. Runs and sounds great now. . Simple thing to check. Hopefully that helps .. cheers

[914efi]

Check that the no rocker shafts have moved. That could also throw off valve adjustment. Might be an oil leak to notice if any have moved far enough.

I have been fooled by exhaust leaks sounding mechanical.

[99boxster559]

@Damon88 and @914efi, I will take a look in there sometime this week, I am supposed to change the oil anyway. Hopefully its just a loose adjuster!

[99boxster559]

Here is the video of the noise. Took the left side heater duct off to hear behind the fan more. The microphone on my phone actually picks up the noise quite well. https://youtube.com/shorts/l6TkiKHxqAI

[proporsche]

.if it is there cold,very likely broken valve spring-but start with double check your valve adjustment..Plus ,you are missing right side sheet metal on cyl No4.
Ivan

[99boxster559]

Originally Posted by proporsche

.if it is there cold,very likely broken valve spring..Plus you are missing right side heat sheet metal on cyl No4.
Ivan

Hi Ivan, yes I removed the sheet metal to get a better listen on the alternator while the car was running with a stethoscope. It is much warmer today in Montana 67 degrees so the noise was less noticeable.

[proporsche]

i had a feeling you did something like that and no just forget..well? remove the upper valve cover `1st and check every valve adjustment..if it will be ok try to use your stethoscope ....to look for the broken spring.Did you use new springs on rebuild?
Ivan
nice 67, it is still cold here in Europe

[99boxster559]

Originally Posted by proporsche

i had a feeling you did something like that and no just forget..well? remove the upper valve cover `1st and check every valve adjustment..if it will be ok try to use your stethoscope ....to look for the broken spring.Did you use new springs on rebuild?
Ivan
nice 67, it is still cold here in Europe

Yes, heads were fully rebuilt along with new springs guides and valves. Cams were reground and rockers were reconditioned.

[proporsche]

ok..start with the check on the valve adjustment
Ivan

[ahh911]

https://youtube.com/shorts/l6TkiKHxqAI

Sounds good to me for an open engine bay. Doubt you are off by much if any.