Gurgling noise at acceleration

[Aurel]

Here is the situation: freshly top-end rebuilt 78SC, with ~ 400 miles on it. Since yesterday, I started hearing a popping noise on the right side during WOT acceleration. It almost sounds like back-firing, but less frank. More like a gurgling noise. It sounds combustion related. I am thinking incomplete combustion, or cylinder-head leak. I haven`t noticed a loss of power. What worries me is only one bank of cylinders seems to be doing it. I just hope nothing is going loose in there...Opinions appreciated.

Aurel

[ossiblue]

First, check that all spark plug wires and terminals are firmly seated--especially on the plugs. Your symptoms may be from something serious or very simple. I had the exact same problem which turned out to be bad (read old) Beru connectors. I replaced the wire set and the engine runs smooth as silk. Good luck and report your findings.

BTW, Beru connectors (especially old ones) can be notorious for bench testing as good, but failing during use. If you check resistance and it meets specs, try tapping the connector while testing. I discovered 3 out of 6 connectors lost continuity when tapped. Yes, they were 35 years old.

[Aurel]

I`ll look into that. My connectors are about 5 yr old aftermarket. Yes, it could be a spark plug not firing well at higher rpms...good idea.

Aurel

[cgarr]

Your valves aren't too tite are they?

[tcar]

Originally Posted by Aurel

I`ll look into that. My connectors are about 5 yr old aftermarket. Yes, it could be a spark plug not firing well at higher rpms...good idea.

Aurel

Do the "water mist in a dark garage" test on right side. Left, too, while you're misting.

[tcar]

Also, if it really IS gurgleing, it could be air in the oil line on the right side.

[Aurel]

Originally Posted by cgarr

Your valves aren't too tite are they?

I set them all at 0.04 when I did the rebuild, and it was fine initially. I could see them getting looser, but tighter would not happen by itself.

Aurel