289 engine noises
289 engine noises
My Tiger runs a totally rebuilt 289 (less than 1000 miles) that runs fine apart from some slight tappet noise on cold start-up. It was fitted with new Eidelbrock Performer cam and hydraulic lifters during the rebuild. The problem starts after about 5-10 minutes at approx 3000 rpm when a loud ticking starts as if a rocker is about to fly to pieces. Let it idle and the noise reduces and dies away over about 5 seconds. It is then OK to rev back up for a minute or so, even at higher revs, before the noise returns. Engine loading makes no difference. I suspected a faulty lifter so have just replaced the entire set, running in as prescribed but the problem remains. The oil pump is a high-output unit so I wondered if there was insufficient oil flow (a windage tray is fitted). However, the oil pressure does not waver when the noise starts, always a good 50 psi-plus when hot. If this was a cam problem, I would expect a constant noise when the engine is warm, not an intermittent one. Any ideas? Cheers, Tim.