Lifter or valve noise

IndianaRed · Aug 26, 2011

Can you tell from the sound if your valve is sticking or a lifter?

Janicholson · Aug 26, 2011

Assuming an overhead valve engine. Either one causes loss of compression.
Either one might cause a backfire (intake valve).
Lifters usually don't stick, but can
The noise of a stuck lifter (assuming it is stuck at the end of its travel upward) is non existant, the cam might just touch it, and the valve train is putting pressure on it.
A sticky valve can cause clatter and misfire, with the clatter usually in the upper end, but if it sticks even 1/2 of its travel open, the pushrod falls off. Again no noise to speak of. Jim

IndianaRed · Aug 26, 2011

Well then it's funny how people always say "lifter noise", when it's more likely a valve.

I did the Seafoam thing last night, lots of smoke, seemed to help this morning as the noise was only half what it's been. Thinking I might give it another treatment tomorrow.

Thanks for your input. Wish I knew half of what you've forgotten.

BushogPapa · Aug 26, 2011

I would lean toward the Lifter being the source of any "valve-Noise"...from, being full of dirt, from being in the rear of an "In-line" engine, wear from worn rocker-arms (many were aluminum alloy) and wear at the lifter/rocker/cam ..
I have witnessed valves Crashing shut, because a perfectly good engine was so Varnished-up that the Lifters were hanging the valves open..!!
That sounded bad (Chevy 327 2-barell) but a tear down revealed NO wear, but extreme deposits under the valve covers AND extreme Varnish on the Lifters..a Very dirty engine..
(Quaker State 10-30 changed EVERY 2,000 mi too)..
Had 68,000mi on it..
I would think that probably the only time "Valves" are going to make any noise, is when the engine RPM exceeds the speed that the valve-SPRINGS can return them accurately to their Seats..!!
"Floating Valves"...NOT a good thing, with a solid lifter Cam...
With Hydraulic Lifters, they just go flat and the engine quits until they can pump back up and take the lash out...!! Sounds bad, but never did seem to cause any damage..

Ron..

Lifter or valve noise

IndianaRed

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Janicholson

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IndianaRed

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BushogPapa

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