Valve Noise - how much is too much

[clarelaw]

I adjusted the valves on my recently rebuilt 3.0 CIS this weekend. I can still hear a tick, tick, tick on idel on a few valves. I know the Porsche motors are noise, but how much is too much noise. Should there be no ticking? And, is ticking a sign that the valve is too loose, or too tight?

The car is a 1981 911SC targa - mostly stock. J & E high comp pistons, and a cat bypass.

Any help from those wqho know appreciated.

[450knotOffice]

The air cooled 911 engine should tick a little bit but not much, if that means anything. I've heard some say that it should sound like a quiet sowing machine.

Ticking means you've got some rocker to valve clearance, which is normal. If you hear no ticking at all then your valves would be too tight, which could lead to burned valves - not good. So, if anything, you want your valves to be looser than tighter (but not too loose, of course). Capiche?

If I were you, I'd find someone else with an air cooled 911 and listen to his car. Compare your valve noise to his. If yours is louder then consider re-adjusting them. I had to re-adjust mine twice until I was satisfied.

Good luck.

[RoninLB]

I get a clearer idea on the valves after at least a good 10+ mi Hy ride.

[clarelaw]

Thanks for the responses,

The car has been down for so long I forgot what she sounded like before. I'll attend the next local breakfast and listen to some other SCs.

[Tom F2]

If your valves are adjusted correctly, but you're still getting valve noise, then you had better check for worn valve guides.