ok, I just bought a very clean 1990 formula tpi for 600 bucks because it had a "knock" the guy said. Turns out not to be a bottom end noise, I know this because I did a cylinder power balance test. I thought maybe it was a stuck lifter, ran the car with no valv covers on, and they all appeared to be operating just fine. Then I'm thinking bent valve, nope. So now the motor is pulled apart in my garage, I plan on putting a cam in it and what not. But the stock cam has no signs of wear? And the lifters all seem fine. What do I need to look for like a collapsed lifter or something? I don't want to put the motor back together and have it be something else ya know, any sugestions?

 

how bout a blown rod bearing, turn that engine over, remove the oil pan and rock the connecting rods back and forth, if one is loose, you have a bearing problem. for that kinda fix you can just replace the bearing...unless its bad, then you have to remove the crank, get it ground down, then re-install oversized bearings...kinda a hassle, but fun to do

 

does it increase as rpms increase. if so could be a burnt out exhaust manifold gasket. id check them first if your tearing it appart anyways. ive had mine burn out

 

I found the problem today, it ended up being a collasped lifter, I kinda thought it from the beggining. I guess the guy I bought the motor from thought it was ok to change oil every 12k or so. The inside of the motor is just nasty gunk oil. Cam lobe is ok though. Thanks for the suggestions though.

 

Good info. I have a 87 Suburban that's making a similar noise.

 

I had a similar ticking noise once w/my car & I tightened down rocker arms and the problem still persisted. I had put in new lifters, roller rockers and made sure they were nice & tight & the ticking was still there! I was baffled! I found out later on it was the throw of the crankshaft "Pinging the oil dipstick housing. I had shortened it to solve it and now its all good. Just an FYI, but I'm glad you found your problem! I had to pay alot of money for alot of new stuff before I figured mine out to be JUST THAT.