Tapping sound

[DanH]

Looked at a 63 Ford 2000 today. When I started it up I heard a tapping sound not sure if it a value or a lifter it sounds like it is coming from the top end of the motor. The tractor has good oil pressure 50 psi. Is this something any body else has happend to them. If so is this a easy fix ? Or is this something to stay away from.
Thanks

 

[old]

Many old engines since they do not have hyd lifter it is a good idea to have a sewing machine sound to them or you end up with burned valves. An old timer said to me 40 plus years ago best to have some valve noise then no nose because then you know the valves are not set to tight. Ya if real noisy maybe need to be adjusted but if at the top likely to be no big deal

 

[souNdguy]

load the 3pt and see if it changes.

otherwise, not uncommon to get loose valve train noise on that old of a machine.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Tapping can be caused by several things.
Too wide of valve lash, worn or dry rocker arms, loose wrist pin, broken ring, ring loose in groove, loose piston in bore to name a few.
Use a long screwdriver to your ear and try to pinpoint the exact location.
Tough one to call from here.
Top end you are damned if you do and if you don't cause unless you get lucky and it's in the rocker arms you have to pull the head, drop the pan then slide the pistons out to inspect them.
At that point you're on the hook for gaskets, rings and usually rod bearings - to say nothing about a valve grind, sleeves and the whole kit and caboodle.
You might get lucky too and beat the seller down a bunch and find he didn't know how to adjust his valves.

 

[NNP]

If components are worn, and exact is tough, I, too, always cheat to the loose side. A little ticking is better than the pfft, pfft, of a too tight valve.
Like UD said, a sound stick in the ear and touching the valve cover usually lets you know.
Over the internet though...who knows?
ticking, tapping, knocking always means different things to different ears.
If your stick says it is coming from anywhere else, other than the valvetrain, it's gonna cost ya money...
(still wouldn't scare me much, but is a good negotiation point)


Old tractors sure are tough though.
I've seen tractors being used that were rapping somewhere inside loud enough that you put your hand up to shield yourself.....for years.
Ask the owner about it..'ah, it'll be fine'