Thread: Ticking noise in rebuilt 289 engine

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I just got a rebuilt 289 put in my 68 mustang and after less than 100 miles on it, it's developed a loud ticking noise on cold starts and gets less noticeable after the engine warms up. It sounds like its coming out of the drivers side valve cover. I have tried unpluging one spark plug at a time to see if the noise goes away, but it doesn't. I don't have a lot of experience with working on engines, but am trying to learn. So, I'm not sure how far I should get into this before bringing to a shop.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dbob

Try changing the oil. It could just be some dirt or other debris stuck in one of the lifters.

Did you make some dude mad that knows where you live ?

Yup, might have a lifter not pumping up correctly. Try the oil change, then maybe pop the valve cover and check the valve adjustment.

yup sounds like a lifter or a loose rockers..... fords tend to buck the rockers off sometimes if you dont adjust it perfectly..... did you use a stock lift cam or something a little aftermarket?

I pulled the valve cover last night and the problem was a loose rocker. It sounds great now. Thanks for the help.

Good news, Bob. Glad it was such an easy fix for you!!!! A guy sure does get nervous when it is a brand new motor though, huh????