tapping from ps timing cover

[half k cruiser]

The quick back story is that the ps head blew it's #1 spark plug out in early 2021. Later in the year I pulled the motor, re-sealed everything, and swapped on a used head. I did have to use my intake cam from the previous head, since the used head did not come with one. All valve lash measured in spec.

The engine has a noticeable knocking sound coming from the PS valve cover area. In fact, you can feel it when you put your hand on plastic timing cover, or the valve cover. With the stethoscope, it is loudest right towards the front of the valve cover, near the belt. It isn't very noticeable on cold start up, but becomes very noticeable as soon as the engine warms up.

It does throw a P430 code, but it has an exhaust leak near the PS cat where I haven't been able to get the flanges to seal up tight.

 

[awesomeissquid]

So the replacement head came with the exhaust camshaft? Any discoloration on the head? Just throwing some thoughts out:

• Assuming you checked the replacement head for cracks?
• Does the ticking match engine RPM?
• Any venting coming from the PCV or the dipstick tube to signal air getting into the oil cavity?
• Did you check the cams backlash per the FSM when replacing them?

 

[half k cruiser]

So the replacement head came with the exhaust camshaft? Any discoloration on the head? Just throwing some thoughts out:

• Assuming you checked the replacement head for cracks?
• Does the ticking match engine RPM?
• Any venting coming from the PCV or the dipstick tube to signal air getting into the oil cavity?
• Did you check the cams backlash per the FSM when replacing them?

I didn't dye the head if that's what your asking. Nothing on visible inspection.

Ticking matches engine RPM

I will have to check the last two

Thank you for the ideas!