I'm getting an engine noise with a pattern that is not consistent with rocker arms or valves. Pattern more like a cylinder. The engine runs well with no stuttering on idle, but i can hear a noise that sounds like it comes from deep inside the engine. I have used an engine stethoscope and i can hear the pattern the loudest at the base of the distributor. the distributor was removed recently to add a new tach cable and 45 degree connector. Any suggestions? Also checked all outside pulleys and bearings, but to no avail as all sounded good.

 

Welcome to the forum.

A couple of things come to mind that might cause the noise. One is the distributor bushings might be worn and it could be possibly the oil pump.

When I tore my engine down, I found a broken top ring that was probably broken at assembly.

 

Thanks, I’ll check the distributor. Idle is smooth, so not sure about a timing problem but I’ll check that too