Had my 289 rebuilt by a reputable engine builder about 1,500 miles ago and I am just now noticing a bit of a knock. It seems to happen after I have been driving for some time and the engine is all warmed up. I don't believe heat is the culprit as I have a new rad, aluminum H20 pump and the temp guage stays way to the left. I checked the oil and found I was almost 1 quart low since my first oil change ( changed at 300 miles ). Was told to expect oil usage untill it was done gettng broke-in.

If it is knocking, what needs to be done? (I am guessing it will have to come out be taken apart, but if so, what all would need attention?)

I will visit the rebuilder on Monday, but would like to know what you guys think.

-Josh

 

If the oil pressure is good, try looking at valve adjustment, a bad lifter or valve too loose can cause a knock, also take a close look at the valve springs and pushrods, a broken valve spring on a small block Ford can sound like a rod knock.

 

Or, it could actually be a rod bearing causing a rod to knock. Take it back to the builder ASAP. With a stethoscope he will be able to determine the problem.

 

thanks, will do.

I guess it's dumb to ask what all will need attention since it could be a number of things.

Man, how disappointing.

 

Dropped her off at the shop today for a diagnosis. Hope to know what the deal is soon. The owner of the shop who did the rebuild said something that was music to my ears, "Don't worry, what ever it is, you're covered".

 

So he checked the valve train and found nothing wrong. He wants me to drain the oil and look for shavings. Says thats the next step and we will go from there. Real nice guy, even closed up his shop to help me shuttle the stang back to my house.

The knocking seems to be coming from the back of the engine area, almost like its in the bellhousing. But it sure sounds like a engine kind of knock to me. He isn't disagreeing.

Also, he said he checked some sources that indicated the old 289s and 302s may need to have the main bearings replaced with a different size main bearing (talking thousandth of an inch different or something like that) to eliminate unwanted noise, or something along those lines.

 

Usually the back two connecting rod bearings are the first to fail, there is a lot of heat back there. I recently tore down a motor that was knocking for a friend of mine, 3 rod bearings were completely missing, 3 were spun, and the other 2 were still working properly although the were heavily worn.

 

What weight of oil are you using??? I hope its not 5w30, way too thin for this time of year, that and the 289 was never designed to run that thin of an oil. It should have AT LEAST 10w30, if not thicker.
-P.

 

Yep, 10w30 Valveoline/K&N filter

 

Wow, talk about bearing failure. how many miles were on it? Mine started this knocking business after only 1,500 miles.