noise repetative like a tappet but NOT a tappet 1963 thunderbird 390

Exhaust leak?

Thanks, F_O_R The problem is I can't identify where the sound is coming from, I've had earphones on each rocker/push rod, etc but even when it's running slow and the noise is quite loud I can't identify where. you mentioned the exhaust can you explain a little further? I've looked online about changing lifters but I can't see how they would pull up through the small pushrod holes, is that accurate, 1 remove rocker tube and rockers, 2 pull out the pushrods then the lifters? I'm reluctant to take off the centre manifold and repair it that way any suggestions

Thanks, GA I'm retired and have done most things like yourself, although I'm not a mechanic, I'm stuck with this one there should be an obvious answer, the problem is that here in England there aren't too many garages with experience of us cars I'm going to try some classic motor oil to see if that helps, Q How can I test the oil pressure? anyway thanks for your previous help Neil Willis

Thanks, GA if I could only find out which lifter is tapping, the manual says to place your finger on each one at a time ( doesn't say if running or not} I'm wondering if checking the rockers arms will tell me anything, someone said it could be worn, but unless its a real groove how can I tell which is worn. anyway ill just keep at it fr now. if I took both heads off then the manifold is that it to get access to the lifters ( as I cant pull them through the pushrod holes ( even though there is a youtube apparently showing this). any suggestions I've also changed the oil several times and filter. thanks, guys

Thanks, I've taken the car to a garage and they say changing the lifters will not stop the problem, as I've got 16 new ones from Rockauto am I correct in saying that changing them won't do any damage, they are going to change them but the mechanic says they need adjuting from the TOP on this motor FE 390 1963 I thought that the rockers ere not adjustable, is that correct or is he talking about something else?? thanks

GA Thanks again, I've replaced the lifters. plugs, plug cables, and the tappet sound stops WHEN I advance the timing but I can tell that the motor is running on 7 and a bit cylinders if you can check my most recent question, titled "tappet noise and timing problem \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\2 thanks anyway GA

Again thanks GA I can stop the tappet noise by advancing the timing a bit, ill check that actual timing as I'm not sure the garage put it back to normal, but when I retard the timing it taps again although not as loud as before, ill follow your suggestions but first ill check the rocker arms, I've got two for what I'm sure is the faulty cylinder ( number 3), the garage said it's number 3 and demonstrated by pulling the plug lead off number 3 cylinder, naturally the motor carried on but the tapping stopped altogether. if it stops with a small amount of advance presumably that should be temporarily ok but as you said there is still probably a cam worn problem,

Thanks, GA, when I pull off the plug, leads from no 3 and 4 cylinders there is a very very small speed slow down change, ( all other cylinders show a clear speed change ), I've changed the lifters, plugs, cables, and no 2 rocker arms, the sound went a little but can still be heard but faintly, I've advanced the timing which nearly stops the tapping noise altogether when I high rev the tapping stops but letting go the accelerator quickly makes it tap for a few seconds then goes fairly quiet, could it be faulty valves or valves needing ground into the head to seal better??? You've answered many times and i appreciate that but I am aware you now probably need to move onto other topics, clients' problems. etc so thanks for the help.

GA oil pressure test and a compression test wet and dry on its way thankfully this coronavirus allows me time to spend in the garage

keep fit and look after yourself GA Arne