Engine Problem

[Anonymous]

I'll start off by saying that I've got a 1963 Ford Falcon 4 door. It's got the 170 inline 6. This last fall I had it running fine but then changed the oil and spark plugs. It ran fine the first time I started it but eventually it started making a knocking sound and cylinder 4 (starting from the front) wouldn't fire. We changed the plug but to no success. It still runs though just takes forever to start and runs really choppy. What could be the problem? It's probably hard to answer. Thank you.

 

[Anonymous]

This is a dumd question, is the 4 cylinder getting ignition spark? If so, I would pull the valve cover and by had turn the engine over, watching the rockers move up and down. If the cam has a worn lobe, the rocker won't move, or much less then the rest.
I had a 302 that wiped a cam lobe. Yep, it ran like crap.
I hope this helps,
Ken

 

[ludwig]

Pull all the plugs to make it easier to turn.

 

[JackFish]

I just found a bad coil, so I recommend checking that :!:

 

[woodbutcher]

If he has a bad knock on #4 I think that it will take more than a coil to remedy.
Leo

 

[Anonymous]

I'm 100% sure it was getting spark because I watched the spark plug. I pulled it out and cranked the engine and saw the spark so that's not the problem. So if I take off the valve cover I'll need a new gasket right?

 

[addo]

Almost certainly, you will. Maybe prepare yourself a little with some RTV or Permatex, so that the new gasket can be glued to the valve cover. Leave the lower side unbonded.

Cheers, Adam.

 

[61Futura]

#4 probably doesn't have any compression. The kock your hearing points toward having a valve slamming shut. Maybe you have a bent push rod. I would first check the compression both dry & wet. Then check the intake vacuum for more help. Having a look under the valve cover would quickly show if you have a bent push rod or damaged rocker arm. I would think a dropped valve would quickly cascade into a major failure.

If your valve cover gasket is rubber & not very old, you could probably get by without a new gasket. I wouldn't count on that good luck, but I also wouldn't use a new gasket until the problem is found & fixed. Then the new gasket should be lightly glued to the cover with an oil resistant sealer. Don't overtighten the bolts to the valve cover. The bolts break easily & the valve cover bends even easier. Since I don't have a torque wrench for 3 to 5 ft-lbs, I like to use a nut driver to lightly tighten them in at leaast 2 steps. Then recheck them a couple minutes later. I also check for oil leaks from time to time.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure that it did have compression, I can't remember at this point. Maybe not. So I would know what the damaged rocker arm would look like but how would I be able to tell if it was a bent push rod? And if it's either of those where would I get the parts and could I do it myself? I'm mechanically inclined but I haven't worked much on engines. Will autozone be able to get the valve cover gasket?

 

[Mercury Mike]

...how would I be able to tell if it was a bent push rod? And if it's either of those where would I get the parts and could I do it myself? I'm mechanically inclined but I haven't worked much on engines. Will autozone be able to get the valve cover gasket?

You could easily do it yourself. I will give you the torque specs if that's what the problem is, and any of us could help you with a method. It's a pretty straightforward deal. =D You could definitely get a valve cover gasket at Autozone. You will have no problem, but first go check, and report back to us!

 

[Anonymous]

At this point I'm just gathering imformation. We just got 10" + of snow and I don't have a heated shop. I'd like to get it fixed up this summer so that I can drive it. I'm only 18 soon to be 19 but I'd rather drive it than my ranger. So what kind of gas mileage might I expect? It's the 170 (obviously) and it's got the Fordomatic 2 speed. I wanted to say 2.73 rear gears or something close to that. And would getting a pertronix coil help? Thank you.

 

[Anonymous]

pertronix and a high voltage coil always help relaibility...but I am not sure thats your problem

is it like a bad backfire?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not talking about getting a different coil to fix it, just to upgrade it once it is fixed. My dad thinks that a broken valve spring might be the problem...does that sound about right from what I've told you so far? And it doesn't backfire.

 

[61Futura]

I'm not talking about getting a different coil to fix it, just to upgrade it once it is fixed. My dad thinks that a broken valve spring might be the problem...does that sound about right from what I've told you so far? And it doesn't backfire.

Yes, that would cause alot of noise & no compression. Sounds like your Dad would be a good source of help on tracking down the problem.

 

[Anonymous]

Well he really isn't really smart when it comes to engines. He knows the parts really well and also has a basic knowledge of engine troubleshooting. I'm just trying to narrow it down and make sure that's what it is before I get in there. Plus we're both going to need help on how to go about replacing it and where I can get the springs from. Thank you for your help everyone.