[88notch]

i was driving around yesterday and decided to do a high speed pull. i got it to around 140 and let off (pushed in the clutch and coasted. when i got home i noticed the engine was making a tapping sound so im am guessing that its lifter tap. does anyone know if this sounds pretty accurate and how do i fix it? thanks

[frankenstein]

could be alot of things. water pumps can make a tapping sound when the bearings are going out... an exhuast leak can fool you with a tapping sound. but if you can get ahold of a stethoscope (can buy one at auto parts store) and put the metal probe end on the valve covers and if you hear a definate ta, ta, ta, ta,.... ect. from within the valve covers then your question is answered. as for the fix... well you'd have to asses the damamge first and see whats doing the tapping

[88notch]

well i had a mechanic take a look at it today and he told me from the way it sounded that it was probably a bent rod (he said it sounded like piston slap). didnt think i could bend a rod on a stock motor that easily. now the question is what motor to go with? any opinions?

[militarygt]

well that all depends on your ability to build one and, or the money you have to spend. there are some affordable crate engines out there that have great power and a warranty. so it really is up to you.

[IcantDo55]

140 on the street....luckey its only a bent rod.

[88notch]

well i did a little investigating and when i pulled the passanger rear wire the sound went away. can anyone tell me what this means (can it be fixed or do i need new motor?) so i make sure it doesnt happen again. this engine only has 87,000 miles on it.

[turp]

Sounds to me like a perfect time for a stroker kit!

[88_50]

I'm going out on a limb here without hearing it and say your mechanic is wrong. I've took plenty of Mustangs 140 and of above, and never ever bent a rod. I've shifted at 7k rpms with stock rods continuly. Stocks are by no means strong, but I can't imagine bending one on a 140 mph pass on the highway. Maybe a pushrod, but not a connecting rod. A lifter on the other hand could have easily failed.

If you have the funds for a stroker, by all means go for it. I'm a believer in them. But if its not, fix your 302 and enjoy it. A piston knock is a destict sound. If its just a light tap, then I would replace the lifters. This is a great time to replace your timing chain, cam, and lifters. While its a part, I would also have the heads freshened up and maybe even a good port match on the heads and intake.

Just my two cents...

[88notch]

is there any way to determine weather its something in the bottom end or topend without ripping the motor completely apart. i was hoping this engine would last me atleast a couple years, till i could purchase a new stroker. someone told me to place a screwdriver on the oilpan and feel if its tapping. if it is then its something in the bottom end and same with the valve cover for something in the topend? whats you thoughts?