New Ticking Sound

[wetminkey]

OK,...I've been watching development in this thread and suddenly, I have to say something about my experience.
I did a bunch of engine work, replacing a bunch of needed parts with new. On start-up, I had the most HORRIBLE metallic, scraping sound! Shut down immediately, and began investigation,...turned out that my new flywheel inspection plate was making the slightest contact with the flywheel on rotation - sounded like the repetitive screaming of banshees!
Washers under it solved the problem, of course,...but the problem sounded appropriate to relate to this situation (?).
Best of luck solving the problem!!

[FiatRunner]

flywheel inspection plate was making the slightest contact with the flywheel on rotation

I might get a chance to put the car on a lift tomorrow… where exactly is the flywheel inspection plate located? Somewhere on the bellhousing? Once I get the plate opened up, what am I looking for? Just… signs of contact?

Even if it isn’t the issue, I still bought a new cap and rotor from AutoRicambri. Fingers crossed that it fixes the issue. They will be here Thursday and I will install them as soon as I can.

[FiatRunner]

I took another video, hopefully this time it’ll sound better.

https://youtu.be/z78L7RQrIIU

You can hear the tick start around the 11 second mark.

PS. do my valves sound like they need adjusting? I’m not sure how well you can hear, but they seem a bit loud to me. Maybe I’m just used to my 2 stroke engines that don’t have camshafts.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Hmmm... Sounds like a typical Fiat engine to me.... It's normal for these 50 year (maybe 60 year) old designs to have some clacking to them, compared to a modern engine. It wouldn't hurt to check the valve clearances and adjust the shims as necessary, but it doesn't sound worrisome to me.

What do others think?

-Bryan

[kilrwail]

Doesn't sound unusual to me. But watch the fan and listen at the same time. The ticking sound is synchronized with the fan speed. Could it be a bearing in the fan assembly? That would explain why you can hear it better without the stethoscope or screwdriver.

[FiatRunner]

The ticking sound is synchronized with the fan speed. Could it be a bearing in the fan assembly? That would explain why you can hear it better without the stethoscope or screwdriver.

Do you mean the timing belt or alternator/water pump belt? The radiator fan wasn't on when I was filming. When the stock electric fan turns on, (which happens at about 195 or 200 degrees), it is so loud that you can barely hear the ticking sound.

[kilrwail]

I saw something yellow rotating and thought it was the fan. But I guess it's the camshaft pulley, which may have some rust on it. It seems to be turning at the same rate as the ticking. Are you sure neither it nor the belt are touching something? Put your stethoscope on top of the timing belt cover and listen there.

[FiatRunner]

It seems to be turning at the same rate as the ticking. Are you sure neither it nor the belt are touching something?

You're right, it does seem to be at the same rate. I tried looking/hearing once more, and I still can't find anything contacting the timing belt. The new rotor and cap were supposed to be here yesterday, so hopefully they arrive soon.

I am going to attempt a valve measurement this weekend, I can't think of anything else that it could be. What do I need to know? Is there a certain procedure, or do I just stick feeler gauges in there until it feels too tight?

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Is there a certain procedure, or do I just stick feeler gauges in there until it feels too tight?

Here's how I do it:

1. Take the measurements on a cold engine.
2. Remove cam covers.
3. One at a time, rotate the engine by hand so each of the 8 cam lobes is pointing directly away from the tappet cap.
4. Measure each with a feeler gauge. You should have a slight drag when you have the "right" feeler gauge. If you have to force the feeler gauge into the gap, the feeler gauge is too thick. If it slides in very easily, it's too thin.
5. Fiat specs are 0.017" for the intakes and 0.019" for the exhaust. 0.45mm and 0.50mm in metric. Some performance versions use less clearance, but since you have a ticking sound, look if there are any clearances that are larger than 0.019".
6. While each lobe is pointing away from the tappet cap, you should be able to rotate the tappet with your fingers. If not, you may have a sticking tappet.
7. Visually inspect the condition of the cam lobes, tappet plates, if there's any sludge buildup, etc.

-Bryan

[Nut124]

^^Like Bryan said.

I would turn the engine in the correct direction only. Turning CCW can make the timing belt skip teeth at the intake cam if the belt is a bit loose.

[PaulC]

So CW looking front to back?

[FiatRunner]

Fiat specs are 0.017" for the intakes and 0.019" for the exhaust. 0.45mm and 0.50mm in metric. Some performance versions use less clearance, but since you have a ticking sound, look if there are any clearances that are larger than 0.019"

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it. I'm sure it'll make it much easier than if I went into it blindly or with only the manual. Hopefully I can get it done this weekend, but school and work have really been kicking my butt.

[kilrwail]

So CW looking front to back?

Yes.

[FiatRunner]

Ugh. It's been cold, rainy, and snowy. Not exactly ideal for working on the car, even when it's in the garage. I'd really like to get some stuff done, but it's difficult to work when it's so cold.

The new cap and rotor finally arrived- hopefully they will be on soon. It's supposed to be warmer later this week. Stay tuned.

[kilrwail]

What happened to our famous ticking sound?