360 engine noise

[cullenr]

Hey Guys,

I know there are probably a few posts about engine noise on here but I was having trouble tracking any down. I have a 1971 F250 Trailering special that I just got. I put Castrol 10w-30 after I got it and a WIX filter. Then I hauled a ton of gravel up the hill to my place. On the way down I was getting a low toned knocking. It sounded almost like a telegram machine. Then it went away. I looked it up and it sounds like the piston slap that all the Chevy guys are getting on start-up. But it doesn't exist on start up, is barely audible at idle and is at it's loudest around where I assume is 2000 rpms. Now keep in mind I spent every penny on getting this truck ($500) and $1500 in labor in parts before I could even drive it home. It runs like a beast and I would love to keep it, but if this is going to be an engine rebuild--it's gone. What does this seem like to you guys? And what's my cheapest fix?

Thanks,
Cullen

[Ren]

I've found that attempting to diagnose engine noises through electronic media is rarely fruitful.
In my three years of experience with an FE engine, I have decided that I do not care for them. And do not know why people go out of their way to bother fooling with them.
They simply have inherent issues that I do not wish to learn about or deal with. Parts are expensive and often require in-depth knowledge to properly install or service. You can research these issues in the archives of this forum.
I am slowly accumulating the makings and necessities of installing a 351W in my bump. If and when my FE gives me any hint of internal trouble, It will be quickly and unceremoniously dumped at the nearest junkyard.
I suggest you make similar plans. And I wish you luck with whatever issue you are having.

[ddcrim]

I agree with diagnosing via internet sounds or descriptions, but this time if I HAD to guess, I would say a rod bearing
has spun. You could get a low cost stethoscope (Harbor Freight) and listen to the oil pan as a helper runs the
RPM's up. If it's in the lower end (bearings) you'll hear it.

[TNIceWolf]

That WIX filter probably isnt helping the problem much. A Motorcraft is a much better choice. Hard as it may be to believe a filter can cause just that kind of noise.I witnessed it firsthand on a friends 69 Ranger. We limped it home soon after he had bought it just gaining a few miles at a stretch over 100 miles. Turned out he he had a Fram filter on it. It didnt work the way a Motorcraft does. Not saying thats the problem but its something to consider and a fairly cheap way to check.
You might also want to consider checking the oil return galleries inside the engine. If you have an FE they are known to have some odd traits concerning oil flow at times.

[cep62]

Wix IS a premium filter.
I've seen cutaways at the parts store and you can see the difference.
I'm not saying Motorcraft isn't good , just Wix aint bad.

As for the noise , do you have a 4 speed with creeper first gear ?
If you hauled a load of gravel up and down hills they can make a rumbling noise too.

[colnago]

There's nothing inherently bad about FE blocks. They're no different than anything else. If I had my preference, I would have a '66 El Camino in my driveway. On the flip side, my BIL thinks that El Caminos are the ugliest vehicle that has ever graced our American highways. My '67 F250 has a 352FE, and as long as I own it, it will have a 352FE under the hood. Good? Bad? Stupid? I'm not sure, but I'm not going to junk the block just because the block design isn't a 351.

And it doesn't address the original poster's question.

Joseph

[tnlprt]

Did the noise increase in speed as the rpms went up

Wix is probably the best filter made

Fram is the worst There is no comparison between the 2