Better, but a little discouraged

[1pokeyfj]

So, just an update on the work we have done to my 92 LC. We adjusted the timing, changed the fuel filter, adjusted the valves and did a Seafoam treatment. Took him for a drive, came back, re-adjusted the timing and the valves. The main issue was that I would hear valve chattering at about 1500-2000 rpm, cruising speed, that went away when you accelerated past that point but came back again at the cruising speed. The truck also seemed more doggy than it should.

We also changed the oil and put in 20w50 oil and Lucas engine oil treatment. PO had used synthetic oil. After both valve adjustments, still had a little chatter, but after the oil change with the Lucas, it went away, for about 20 miles, but the sound came right back. Now, the cruiser definitely runs better and has better pickup, but, the valve chatter is disappointing. Any ideas? Short of driving it a while and possibly re-adjusting the valves again?

By the way, valves were definitely quieter after adjustment as well.

 

[mct75]

Tappy valves are better than silent valves. 3FE is not a quiet engine.

 

[1pokeyfj]

Thanks, that is exactly what my in-house mechanic said.

 

[1pokeyfj]

Update on the Cruiser: it is trying to overheat after driving with the A/C on, and while driving through town. Basically after about 45 minutes of driving with the air on, the temp gauge starts to go toward hot. Of course we haven't let it overheat, and we've done the trick where you put the heater on and it brings the temp down. Hubby is a little stumped. We have a NEW cooling system on it, to include a fan clutch, radiator and thermostat. All hoses have been Checked and re-checked. Hubby also did a test where you check to see if the radiator emits exhaust gas so that we could rule out a head gasket failure. The next thing he will check is the catalytic converter. It is making a noise and when hubby pointed the temp gun at it, it was 460 degrees before the cat and 400 degrees after the cat, which seems to signal a clog. The vehicle was severely out if time when we got it and hubby thinks that it running like crap could have messed up the cat, which is now causing the engine to overheat. It's the same scenario every time. Cat was out on about a year ago by a cheap muffler shop.anyone have any ideas why this may be happening? If the cat doesn't end up being the culprit I'm not sure what we sill do!

 

[Tools R Us]

When the thermostat was changed, was it installed with both, upper and lower gaskets?

 

[1pokeyfj]

Yes. One was like an o,ring and came with the thermostat and the other was like a paper one.