ice pac

I've noticed a significant loss of power in my 81. And it's developed a loud clicking noise. After observing the noise I'm fairly certain it's coming from the valvetrain. I suspect it's a broken lifter but I havn't had time to take off the valve covers and examine anyhting. What are the first things I should check? If it is a broken lifter what has to come off and how difficult is the job?

Thanks in advance,
J.thib

Corey_68

It is IS broken, the carb, and intake has to come off to make the swap. Not a bad job, the hard part is taking everything off and putting it back on.

First things first, pull the valve cover to check. :yesnod:

BSeery

distributor too. Make sure to mark the position before yanking.

ice pac

So the cam doesn't have to come out? I'm not worried about the distributor coming off, my timing is way off anyway. Not sure why that is; it was perfect then it got horrible(popping at high rpms). Gonna have to re time it either way.

Corey_68

No the cam isn't removed, the lifters sit on top the cam. After you pull the intake you have acess to the pushrods and lifters. :thumbs:

Larry B.

Pull the valve cover. Most likely a loose rocker . They can wear out or the self locking adjusting nut may have loosened. In that case it is a very simple fix. One nut and or rocker and then re-adjust the valve.