Essex Engine Knock

[Taddyffore]

I have a ‘78 3000S with the Ford Essex V6. 100,000 miles. It has a knock in the engine. What are my options? Can I drive it? I’m in the US.

[tones61]

Probably the fibre cam wheel breaking up

[GAjon]

Can you definitely correlate it too the engine? Ie as it revs the knock increases with the revs?

Does it knock when the cars stationary?

Is it a rattle type knock or a thumping knock?

Is from the top or the bottom of the engine?

Did it start suddenly or has it built up and got worse.

Edited by GAjon on Wednesday 3rd June 19:07

Edited by GAjon on Wednesday 3rd June 19:08

[TvrJohn]

GAjon the engine whisperer

[Taddyffore]

It’s like Oliver Hardy hitting Stan on his head with a stick, knock, knock, which speeds up when RPM increases. The knock appeared suddenly within the last few weeks. It’s metallic knock, I would think the fiber gear would be more dull breaking up. I’ve only listened from the top rear of the engine. Hope this helps, but now I’m wondering if I should drive it at all or get it to my mechanic. Thanks for the help.

[GAjon]

Sounds like a spun big end bearing.

I wouldn’t drive it, get it checked out by a mechanic.

In technical terms, it’s only a bit fked at the moment if you keep driving it will become completely fked!

[Taddyffore]

Yeah, that’s what I think. Just bought this car last fall. Oh well. Thanks for your input.