Distributor Noise

I have been restoring a late 60’s Dauntless V6. It has good compression on all cylinders and is tuned and running well. I also have a new timing chain and tensioners. However, there is a very audible clattering noise coming from the front of the engine that I have isolated to the distributor using a stethoscope. Therefore, I assume it is either the distributor, a sloppy connection between the distributor and oil pump shaft, or the oil pump shaft. Has anyone experienced this issue and successfully resolved it? Could the oil pump shaft have slop in a bushing? I think I will start by replacing the oil pump shaft and parts. But, I appreciate any advice.

 

You need to look at the distributor weights and springs first.

 

Good advice.

 

The sound seems to be coming from much lower in the engine.

 

Sound will travel down a shaft very well. It's not very likely the noise is coming from the dist shaft to oil pump. That is a pretty loose fit anyway.

 

The camshaft can be causing the noise. In some cases, the cam "walks" a slight amount and can come in contact with the inner timing cover. A nylon or plastic button can be inserted in the end of the camshaft as a thrust control device.

Also, Did you use a good quality timing chain and tensioner? A stretched chain can slap the inside of the timing cover and make a racket. Some aftermarket parts like the tensioner are of questionable quality. I've seen the bonded rubbing block separate in short order. Was this noise present before the chain replacement?
-Donny

 

The noise was there before and after replacing the timing chain. I did not see any evidence of rubbing on the timing cover. There was a plastic button as well. I am also wondering if there is a worn out bushing at the end of the distributer where the gear is. I am going to replace the oil pump parts and pull the distributer to inspect for wear.

 

Hey I'd like to know if you ever diagnosed this issue and resolved it. Was it the original points distributor or an HEI? My HEI is making a noise as well.

 

I am a couple weeks out from replacing the oil pump and the distributor with an HEI. I’ll post when I am done as to whether it resolved the noise. There was some wear on the shaft of the oil pump gear. The weights on the distributor might also be a little loose.

 

Looking forward to your results!

 

Well, I replaced the distributor with a new HEI and also replaced the oil pump gears. It is running fine (other than the oil pump is leaking badly), but still has the clatter coming from the front of the engine. I already replaced the water pump, timing chain and gears, and mechanical fuel pump. When I replaced the timing set, I made sure the spring loaded button was on the front of the camshaft. I read in an earlier post that sometimes the front camshaft bearing wears out, but don’t know if this could be causing the noise. I have posted a picture of the new timing I installed. I posted a video of the engine running under “Media” on this site. It is titled “1968 Dauntless Engine with unidentifed noise”. I’d love anyone’s advice on what could be causing the noise.

 

. Hopefully, this link works for the video of the engine noise.

 

it is a noise indeed. can be many things. are all mobile parts well fixed like alternator ventilator... need more checking with good tools microphone maybe.

 

Anyone else have any ideas on what the noise in the above video if from? Could it be the mechanical fuel pump or water pump? Both are new.

 

Take all the belts off and try it again.

 

does the sound change with a cold or hot engine?

 

The timing cover seal probably isn't in right, causing the leak. I believe that there's a pin that the rope seal has to be driven into.

 

+1
Sounds like a bad power steering pump.