Finally got the Olds running after letting it sit for a bout 2 weeks without running. The current problem I have now is the idle. Started the car today, it started after a couple seconds. When it started it had a metallic tapping noise, really loud. It has always had a metallic tapping noise coming from the engine, but not this loud. My though is it was just sitting there long and there just wasn't alot of oil there. After about 3 minutes it quieted down slightly, but you can still hear it. Ive narrowed the noise down to the 1,3, & 5 cylinder valve cover. Am I just paranoid, or do I have a lifter going? I know it's hard to diagnose a engine problem over the internet, but I tried to explaine it better then last time.

Now to the idle. When you give it a little bit of gas, apon returning to idle it stammers and acts like it's starving for fuel (I know that sound, some of you know the gas guage problem, lol) It will do it for a second and then pick up to normal idle. Im thinking I might be having a fuel pump go becasue the tone of the pump when you turn the ignition on is getting concerning. I can't really describe the noise. It just sounds like it's getting worn out.

If none of this makes sense, im sorry, ive had too much coffee today...

possible bent or broken pushrod? This would cause the explained lifter noise, and possibly the percieved starvation of fuel. If your valve covers are like mine, there is only 3 nuts that hold the cover in place. Take it off and inspect.

Just a thought...

Yeah, my valve cover is like yours. Wouldn't I need a new gasket after taking it off though?

I didnt... but that doesnt mean that your gasket is in good condition aswell.. A new gasket can be had for a few $ anyways. I would definately rather replace a gasket than a head

yep...only 3 acorn nuts on each valve cover (not the kind you eat)

TOC Admin
Brando

Lol Brando, actually there are tons of acorns stuck everywhere in the car still. Opened it up, everything was still tight and in good shape. Started it and there was just the slightest tap. Guess it's expected for a car this old to make some kinda noise. Plus an 80 year old lady drove this car, so it was never driven over 40MPH. Guess I just need to let it run on the road. Still can't figure out the damned idle. It never stalled (knock on wood) yet, so when it does ill look into it further. Thanks for the help.

my old celebrity had that problem with the idle. i never got it fixed cuz everything was breaking on the car. but it would only idle rough when it was warm so it could be a completely different thing. it would also stall when i would come to a stop whenever it idled that way.