I have a sound I never heard before. Bear in mind that I have rebuilt a good number of small and big block motors over the past 40 years, likely over 50.

I have recently rebuilt the original 327 from my car. It had sat for 7-8 years while she had a 427 in her, assembled and under a tarp.

It is +030, new rings & bearings, new Comp Cams cam & lifters. Re-used the TRW pistons, Lunati roller rockers, pushrods, valve & springs, timing chain & gears. Engine only had 1-2000 miles on it when removed. There was no wear, rust, or pitting of any nature. It has the original distributor with Pertronix electronic switch, blaster coil, MSD6.

I put on a new water pump, balancer, carb, Hooker headers, dual chambered exhaust out the back.

It has a Tremek TKO 5 speed, and I installed a new roller pilot beearing.

OK, so here's the issue. I started it up to do my cam break-in. I few timing checks and vacuum leaks took an hour or two (or three?) to fix.

Now it starts U runs strongly, but there is a noise that sounds VERY MUCH like a defective throughout bearing. I stepped on the clutch to check the bearing, and there was no change whatsoever.

I disconnected the fan belt to eliminate the we\ater pump and alternator as sources of the noise, but no change.

I disconnected the tach drive cable. No change.

I backed out the balancer, just in case it was interfering with the timing cover. No change.

I took the valve covers off to check the rockers, dribbled a little oil on the fulcrums, rechecked the lash. No change in the sound.

I got tired and came into the house.

Unfortunately, I have only one good ear, and after going around the motor several times while it is running, with a PVC pipe up against my good ear, and the other end against all quadrants of the engine. Can't locate where it is coming from.

I want to avoid taking it out again. Looking for intelligent suggestions.

Thanks!

 

Might be the bellhousing inspection plate rubbing against the crank of flywheel.

 

You are exactly correct. I removed the inspection cover this afternoon, and the noise was gone. Must have tweaked it when I put it on.



Thanks for your input. Wish I had offered a prize.....

 

I'm glad that it turned out to be something simple. I know that sinking feeling when you put a ton of work into a project and then find out something just ain't right when you go to test your work.