Tic..Tic..Tic...???

[sasto]

I am restoring a boat with an old 1974 Chrysler 318. Upon start up she has a tic consistant with the RPM's coming from one side. This continues to happen till I run around 3500 RPM for about 5 minutes. I re-torqued the exhaust manifold. We have ran the boat for 25 hrs. now and haven't burned a drop of oil. I have been hard on her...and the tic goes away. My question is..should I ignore it and run her till she pops....or is it worth my time and money to dig into her and find the problem. I'm not opposed to replacing her if she goes.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

probably a sticky or partially collapsed lifter

try changing the engine oil - might help the little guy get back to work

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Adjust your lifters...

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Thanks for the reply guys. I changed the oil before even starting her up. If I recall correctly from my younger days the 318 lifters can't be adjusted. I will look into that.

 

[Aloysius]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

If the tick doesn't vary with load it IS just a valvetrain issue.

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

If the tick doesn't vary with load it IS just a valvetrain issue.

Aloysius...the tic goes away at about 1500 RPM and after running with a load for awhile it goes away and dosen't return till she sits overnite. All your imput is appreciated.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Depending on your thoughts of this product and how determined you are to stay with strictly engine manufacturers recommendations, I had the exact same issue in my Dodge truck, equipped with the 318. It was a minor tic from the lifter that would eventually pump up and the tic would go away.

I added a bottle of 'Motor Honey', which is nothing more than a 8 ounces of a gear-weight product (oil stabilizer) made to thicken up the oil just a hair and helps quiet valve train noise. The noise stopped immediately and has never returned. It simply helped keep the offending lifter from losing its volume.

Not saying you should use it...just saying it worked for my truck engine.

Best of luck.

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Depending on your thoughts of this product and how determined you are to stay with strictly engine manufacturers recommendations, I had the exact same issue in my Dodge truck, equipped with the 318. It was a minor tic from the lifter that would eventually pump up and the tic would go away.

I added a bottle of 'Motor Honey', which is nothing more than a 8 ounces of a gear-weight product (oil stabilizer) made to thicken up the oil just a hair and helps quiet valve train noise. The noise stopped immediately and has never returned. It simply helped keep the offending lifter from losing its volume.

Not saying you should use it...just saying it worked for my truck engine.

Best of luck.

Thanks Fireman431....does appear to be a lifter...and I'm not opposed to your idea. Will this void my warranty...

 

[Aloysius]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

It does sound like a simple valvetrain issue..I wouldn't worry. The 318 was a good motor, but many used a plastic coated cam gear to reduce noise. These had a nasty habit of failing. However, I think the heavy truck/marine stuff used a regular steel gear.

You worry when the "tick" only occurs on acceleration or deceleration, or is definitely coming from the bottom end of the engine.

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

It does sound like a simple valvetrain issue..I wouldn't worry. The 318 was a good motor, but many used a plastic coated cam gear to reduce noise. These had a nasty habit of failing. However, I think the heavy truck/marine stuff used a regular steel gear.

You worry when the "tick" only occurs on acceleration or deceleration, or is definitely coming from the bottom end of the engine.

I dug out the manual and found the lifters to be hydraulic . If you tell me not to worry.....I won't..... Thanks Aloysius

 

[dubs283]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

I changed the oil before even starting her up.

what are you using for oil??

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

what are you using for oil??

Hey dubs....I used the same oil I found onboard, I only assume the PO used it too...Valvoline 10W 40....the manual calls for SAE 30.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

try using a quality brand, 25w-40 oil - quicksilver comes to mind

i know you're not running a mercruiser, but that is what their top recommendation is for oil in their sterndrive/inboard engines - next in line is sae 30

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

try using a quality brand, 25w-40 oil - quicksilver comes to mind

i know you're not running a mercruiser, but that is what their top recommendation is for oil in their sterndrive/inboard engines - next in line is sae 30

Thanks dubs...sounds simple enough...going to run her one more day and pull her to do some more work. I will try your recommendation.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Did you try any snake oil yet. A can of Sea Foam or Marvel Mys oil to maybe clean up a sticky lifter, You know, in case there is a little sludge or varnish build up that the detergent in the oil isnt disolving.
I know ALOT or people on this forum dont believe in snake oil. But sometimes it actually works IMHO...
BTW I had my own Blues Mobile back in high school- a 69 Plymouth Fury3. W a 318 took alot of abuse and kept on going..I recall that engine havn that tick now that I think about it.
As another poster said... a little thicker oil may help

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Shouldn't void any warranty. It is a petroleum product that certified for use in engines.

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Shouldn't void any warranty. It is a petroleum product that certified for use in engines.

Fireman......sorry I was being sarcastic....she is 36 years old. I just purchased some motor honey and going back out for the day. I'll let you know how it went....or should I say sound.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

I am restoring a boat with an old 1974 Chrysler 318. Upon start up she has a tic consistant with the RPM's coming from one side. This continues to happen till I run around 3500 RPM for about 5 minutes. I re-torqued the exhaust manifold. We have ran the boat for 25 hrs. now and haven't burned a drop of oil. I have been hard on her...and the tic goes away. My question is..should I ignore it and run her till she pops....or is it worth my time and money to dig into her and find the problem. I'm not opposed to replacing her if she goes.

Glad to hear you ar not opposed to a replacement if she blows because at that point you won't have a choice. Why wait? Try to fix it now and save yourself a lot of money.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Fireman......sorry I was being sarcastic....she is 36 years old. I just purchased some motor honey and going back out for the day. I'll let you know how it went....or should I say sound.

Now I got it! Sarcasm...we don't get much of that around here

When I read that you were restoring it, I assumed (you know what that means) that you may have purchansed a remanufactured 318 with a warranty...

Stop confusing me. I'm close enough to the edge as it is...

 

[sasto]

Re: Tic..Tic..Tic...???

Now I got it! Sarcasm...we don't get much of that around here

When I read that you were restoring it, I assumed (you know what that means) that you may have purchansed a remanufactured 318 with a warranty...

Stop confusing me. I'm close enough to the edge as it is...

She is an oldie....Fireman431.. .I took your advice and before we left for an adventure today... I added some "motor honey" to the motor.... and after 5 seconds.... which used to take 15 minutes... she purred and was silent the rest of the day. I figure on replacing her someday...but not sooner than I have to.

Going to take dubs advice on changing to a better grade of oil with more viscocity.

Thanks guys... for the advice.

Mike