283 chevrolet tick noise, maybe balancer?

Question

I'm stumped on my 1964 283 chev. The local shop tells me it's the balancer. I thought it was timing chain. I put a scope on everything, the power steering, fuel pump, timing chain cover, water pump. i'm not loosing any water from the pump and the fan and water pump is all tight. Not leaking fuel and it runs great but just makes the tick noise in the front. does any one know what a messed up balancer sounds like? Is the shop right?

Answer 1

I'm no expert but the 1950s Holden engine (Australian GM car) was famous for ticking. It was usually the tappets, (valves) they often got slightly out of the right gap. But if the local shop says harmonic balancer, they are probably correct.

Answer 2

I see another shop trying to give you the big Oscar Meyer.

I know all about chevy engines back and fourth. What it is like one guy said, is the tappets. Nothing really to worry about. Real easy.
Here is the Auto Zone site with pictures too. (just in case you can not read, lol)

You also get this noise if you are low on oil too. So if you adjust them and still get the noise click and oil full then you might need new lifts. They got a lifter lifter tool so you do not have to take out the whole head. But then you put those in and adjust and still tapping, then the last thing is you need a new oil pump. You are not getting oil in there fast enought.

So many things. But
Get a Haynes Repair Manual at the local Auto Zone or auto parts store in your area. It will troubleshoot and show you how to fix your vehicle. Also on the Auto Zone site has a section for vehicle maintenance

But the book can handle all your problems for the engine. I think they even have a entine book out for the chevy engines. But the book can handle other problems for your vehicle.

I think I put down a malibu for the vehicle, but you can change it. But regardless all the '64 engines are the same procedure.
And here is the troubleshooting guide and you can look up the stuff yourself.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=S001&UserAction=viewSimpleDiagInfo&Parameters=info

If you can go to an Auto Zone and see if they sell a harmonic balancer. You will see that you have to be in a major wreck to damage that any. That is like you go over a speed bump at 30 miles an hour and start hearing a rattle sound. Then the mechanic tells you that it will cost you $1000 to straighten the frame out. Sometimes they can spot a sucker a mile away.

If other problems, get back. Give me something to do during the day till happy hour and the ugly women come out. lol

Answer 3

All the suggestions are good, but I'm surprised that no one mentioned what I want you to do. If this noise is noticeable when the engine is cold, remove all the engine belts and have a helper start the engine and you listen for the noise. Often overlooked is a piece of cord (fabric) starting to separate from one of the belts. Another source could be from a piece of dirt or paint stuck to the inside v grove of one the pulleys. Also try a stethoscope on the timing cover.

Answer 4

Most likely is a valve needs adjusting or is worn, or maybe bent pushrod. Adjusting valves is simple but can get sloppy oily pretty quick.
To do it yourself~~cover fender with something-remove 1 valve cover on ticking side. Start engine~watch out for oil squirting from rockers. Use 5/8th long socket to loosen the rocker arm 'till it ticks loud. Slowly tighten 'til noise stops, then slowly tighten 1/2 to 3/4 turn more. shut it off. Glue new gasket on cover after scraping old one clean off. Reinstall valve cover but not real tight, just snug. You can adjust all of them or just the noisey ones.
The 283 is a great engine and can last forever with regular care and maintenence.

Answer 5

Depends if it has a solid metal balancer or one made of two pieces pressed together with rubber in between the metal.
I don't see how the single peice ones could possibly make any sound. Some of the two peice ones have started to come apart or ?

Anyway, I would be more likely to think you have a lobe on the cam or cam/lifter problem on that motor. High mileage ones are famous for having worn cams.
If you have an aftermarket roller chain type of cam chain I guarantee you will hear that. It isn't a problem, they just aren't quiet like the original belt or ones covered with plastic.

Answer 6

Had a problem similar to this on my '65 Malibu 283. The noise was more of a "CLACK, CLACK" than a tick.

Turns out it was the pulley that is bolted to the balancer. The bolts had worked loose. Replaced the pulley and bolts, and PRESTO, no more noise.

If those bolts are tight, check the rocker arms adjustment.

The harmonic balancer will separate into two pieces if it goes bad, so I think your mechanic is trying to fleece you.

Answer 7

If its definatley coming from the front, it could be the fuel pump push rod. They have a tendency to wear and as a result, get slack between the push rod and the pump arm. Put a stethescope or long screwdriver near the pump with the engine running and see if you can hear it there. Good luck.

Answer 8

It sounds like a lifter. After time and many miles the hydraulic lifters get clogged, causing that pesky ticking noise. Don't worry about it. It usually happens because of infrequent oil changes.

Answer 9

Its a lifter! If it runs ok don't worry about it. If it bothers you,or effects performance check your valve lash A new cam and lifter set may be the option if it's high miles and never been rebuilt. Your shop is wrong!

Answer 10

probably not the balancer , please do not put brake fluid on anything , like the above have said either the lifters or fuel pump drive , Chev. small blocks were bad for both , switch to synthetic oil , it should get quieter