Hole in my head?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Hole in my head?
I have 1969 427 that I am having some issues with. I hear a metallic knocking noise that seems to vary with engine speed. It sounds to me like it is coming from under the valve cover around the number 8 cylinder. I pulled the valve cover off to take a look and it appears like the metal has been torn away to leave a hole next to the last valve. The hole is about an inch across and is ragged on the edges. I can see what appears to be some stray metal that kind of hanging below the hole.
Is this hole supposed to be there or is this damaged and causing my knocking noise? Thanks! I could post a photo if that would help except I can't find a way to upload it to the forum.
Is this hole supposed to be there or is this damaged and causing my knocking noise? Thanks! I could post a photo if that would help except I can't find a way to upload it to the forum.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,234
Likes: 19
From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
This was a common thing to do allow more oil flow and cooling - sort of an old school hot rodders approach. It is messy but effective. There should not be any loose pieces though....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
I have 1969 427 that I am having some issues with. I hear a metallic knocking noise that seems to vary with engine speed. It sounds to me like it is coming from under the valve cover around the number 8 cylinder. I pulled the valve cover off to take a look and it appears like the metal has been torn away to leave a hole next to the last valve. The hole is about an inch across and is ragged on the edges. I can see what appears to be some stray metal that kind of hanging below the hole.
Is this hole supposed to be there or is this damaged and causing my knocking noise? Thanks! I could post a photo if that would help except I can't find a way to upload it to the forum.
Is this hole supposed to be there or is this damaged and causing my knocking noise? Thanks! I could post a photo if that would help except I can't find a way to upload it to the forum.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Sounds to me like this is the oil drain hole back to the pan. There should be one on both ends towards the lower corners. Mine were kind of a irregular triangular shape before I cleaned them up a little.
Check the other head as mentioned above.
Check the other head as mentioned above.
