- Joined
- Dec 22, 2011
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Los Gatos, CA
- Vehicle Year
- 1996
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 4.0
- Transmission
- Automatic
- My credo
- go anywhere AND get back
A few years back, I bought a reman Jasper engine 4.0OHV. Ran fine, but at about 400 miles it lost a cylinder and made big clattering (valve) noises. No loss of oil pressure. #6 plug was completely sludged up with oil.
Turned out there was a gasket fault and it had lost all but 2 quarts of oil. Fixed the gasket, but the valve noise remained, only when cold.
Now, the valve noise is really bad when cold, and <mostly> disappears when warmed up, but occasionally clatters like made. Lifters? Sticky stems?
I've tried Rislone oil additive, ATF in the oil, and various intake-valve cleaners. They all help a little bit, but nothing is a real cure.
BIG QUESTION: if I have to pull the heads (damn), should I consider replacing them with performance heads? I've heard too many stories about heads cracking, gaskets blowing, etc. My old engine had both things happen.
Any and all suggestions appreciated. I love the truck, it's highly modified, and lots and lots of new parts (like the entire drivetrain). I want to save it, but the valve clatter is making me crazy.
Turned out there was a gasket fault and it had lost all but 2 quarts of oil. Fixed the gasket, but the valve noise remained, only when cold.
Now, the valve noise is really bad when cold, and <mostly> disappears when warmed up, but occasionally clatters like made. Lifters? Sticky stems?
I've tried Rislone oil additive, ATF in the oil, and various intake-valve cleaners. They all help a little bit, but nothing is a real cure.
BIG QUESTION: if I have to pull the heads (damn), should I consider replacing them with performance heads? I've heard too many stories about heads cracking, gaskets blowing, etc. My old engine had both things happen.
Any and all suggestions appreciated. I love the truck, it's highly modified, and lots and lots of new parts (like the entire drivetrain). I want to save it, but the valve clatter is making me crazy.