very scary engine noise

[JPSmit]

So, I went out to a cruise night about 10 minutes drive away. Got home, stopped in the driveway, called to take a friend around the block. Maybe 4 minutes later started the car and it sounds nothing like it did 4 minutes earlier. A clattering sound, like a sewing machine sounded like 3 cylinders at best, and would not run on its own, took my foot off the gas and it died instantly. Tried it again, same sound, tried it again - didn't start though I may have flooded it (smelled like gas) and I didn't want to push too hard. No fluids under the car, all wires seem tight.

thoughts? (please!)

 

[SilentUnicorn]

sewing machine...pull the valve cover and check the push rods. make sure one didn't jump off on you. No other symptoms? was it performing normally before this happened?

m

 

[JPSmit]

was perfectly normal before - nothing else that way. the only other symptoms - 1. hard to start and won't stay running. 2. Definitely not running on all cylinders

 

[Guest]

Might have jumped time when you shut it off. Seen it before, although; I'm not 100% sure this is your problem. Strange noise and clacking? First thing I'd do is check the oil just to be safe.

 

[jvandyke]

Maybe just fouled a plug. Pull 'em and look?

 

[smaceng]

Check the fuel level in the carb bowls.
Sounds like a fuel issue.
Scott in CA
good luck!

 

[Guest]

Maybe just fouled a plug. Pull 'em and look?

Check the fuel level in the carb bowls.
Sounds like a fuel issue.
Scott in CA
good luck!

Possibly but thatwouldn't account for the noise.

 

[mightymidget]

I agree with valve-train inspection, outside chance vacum leak (no noise)
pushrods, rocker arm, timing gear,lifters etc..

 

[JPSmit]

that's what I was afraid of - no work on it today - church - sister's graduation (Phd) party and daughter back to camp. But, keep the suggestions coming and I'll keep you posted.

 

[Gundy]

A mechanic's stethoscope might help to isolate the source
of the noise.
Lets hope it is something simple.

 

[bthompson]

I hate to even suggest it for fear of jinxing my own 1500...

Thrust washer?

(Although from what I've read about when they jump ship, the most clatter is when the clutch is in, and I haven't haven't read anything about it killing the engine dead; so it probably isn't the case)

 

[cdsmith]

I had a similar experience - ran just fine the day before, but the next day when a friend stopped to check it out I could not get it to run right (it would start, but missed real bad). It turned out to be a stuck valve...

I hope you don't have the same problem...
cd

 

[Guest]

A mechanic's stethoscope might help to isolate the source
of the noise.
Lets hope it is something simple.

Long screwdriver or metal rod also.

 

[texas_bugeye]

Check the advance plate in the dizzy.

 

[JPSmit]

Check the advance plate in the dizzy.

do I have one with an electronic ignition?

 

[Guest]

yes you do.

 

[Bob Claffie]

Other ugly suggestion, broke a keeper and dropped a valve. that would account for the noise, poor running and stalling. I'd rather hope a simpler fix of a broken push-rod or a broken rocker. Bob

 

[Guest]

Where y'at on this JP?

 

[JPSmit]

Where y'at on this JP?

I figured we need some time apart. hopefully will get a look tomorrow.

 

[RonMacPherson]

My 2 cents. First pull the plugs, inspect, then the valve cover, inspect the pushrods and rocker arms. check the tops of the valves to see if a spring has popped up(keeper or stem failure).. or if one valve is lower than the others with rocker arm pressure removed from it(crank the engine with a wrench)