[WJS10]

Hi folks, I have a 1982 2L Spider Veloce that was slightly modified in a rebuild by a previous owner. When it warms up I hear a knock in hte engine that sounds like a valve knocking. This is the first chain driven cam engine I have owned, and the first working Alfa as well, so for a while I thought I was just hearing the chain. At idle the noise noticeably drops and at higher revs I hear it more destinctly and the timing of the noise leads me to bleive it is a valve. So my question is this: Should I check the valve clearances, or is this just a standard Alfa engine noise? If it is a valve noise will the correct shim size fix it, or am I in for an expensive head job?

Thanks,

Bill

 

[Tifosi]

Might be the valve lash, might be the upper timing chain isn't properly tensioned and is slapping the underside of the cam cover.

Without actually hearing it, that's likely where I'd start looking.

And yes, the engine puts out a lot of mechanical noise, so it may very well be what you're hearing. (they tick and rattle like a late '60's British motorcycle 'til you get a good ways up into the revs)

 

[WJS10]

Might be the valve lash, might be the upper timing chain isn't properly tensioned and is slapping the underside of the cam cover.

Without actually hearing it, that's likely where I'd start looking.

And yes, the engine puts out a lot of mechanical noise, so it may very well be what you're hearing. (they tick and rattle like a late '60's British motorcycle 'til you get a good ways up into the revs)

Darren,

Wow, I posted this last year and forgot about it. I had not used the BB much if at all prior to that and it was probably my first post. I think I looked for replies, but I couldn't figure out how to find it again once I started the thread. :I Anyway, I reopened this question recently in another post. Thanks for this reply and your more recent help. It is all very much appreciated.

Bill