Help with diagnostic

I have developed a squeeking noise from within the engine. The noise seems to be coming from under the valve cover on the drivers side. Any ideas?

 

Turn the radio up? Hows that for help? Oh, you asked for diagnostic help...

Metal on metal squeeking? Grinding? more description? does it change in tone/volume with rpm?

 

I thought the squirrels in there were calling to be fed. Noise only seem like a squeek noise not grinding. Alot like metal on metal with a little bit of rubber mixed in. As the RPM goes up it just gets faster.

 

Hey there Flip, haven't seen ya in a while.

VC bolts on tight? Maybe the gasket's off or worn at a spot? Maybe a loose head bolt?

Grab a mechanic's stethoscope and try to pinpoint the prob. For fun you could always remove a valve cover and inspect. (Can't recall, is the driver's side that has the baffle?). And/or you can run it and then pull the #1 plug wire...see if it goes away/gets worse...then replace, then the same with #3, then #5. HTH.
-Alan

 

Hippo thanks for the ideas. I haven't been around much lately. The summer is my busy time. I am in the process of switching the front brakes off 76 and putting them on the 66 so maybe I will pull it apart.

I had another thought.....this spring I put in a SM465 and I tucked it up tight to the fiberglass body. Maybe the body has settled some from the hole in the floor I had to cut and is rubbing on the bell housing. That is more if what it sounds like.

 

Scratch that idea because the squeek speeds up as the RPMs pick up.

 

Try a broom handle as a steathoscope --works well

 

Should I put the bristle end to the engine or to your ear? R)

Thanks for the idea

 

Ha ha.

A yardstick also works. I remember seeing my dad use that once, and I thought "What the heck is he doing??"

 

measuring the motor noise!! R) R)

 

screwdrivers work well too.

 

Well that was too simple. New header loosened up at one end. Thanks for the help guys.

 

I had a similar problem and tracked it down to a rocker. It seems that when the squirrels run from fore to aft in the valve covers, their tails will sometimes get caught between the rocker arms.