Knocking sound from right side of engine

[kmac33]

As part of my complete restoration, I went back and forth on whether or not to rebuild my motor or just do a cosmetic restoration, as the motor was running really well when I started disassembly. I decided I might as well rebuild since the motor would be out. And since the cost was not that much greater to add some "pep" I went with the basic performance upgrades. I could not be happier - it has transformed the way the car performs (and I haven't even taken the motor over 4 grand yet - only has around 150 miles on it so still breaking her in). You are a bit more limited though since you have to keep it smog legal.
Keep us posted on your project!
A quick pic of my finished motor.

[kmead]

It would have been nice if you took the time to clean that up a bit before posting pics.

Wow nice work. We could eat off engine and engine bay but that would dirty it up. Looks great and hope to hear how it performs as it gets broken in.

Thanks for posting the pic.

Karl

[rocky]

Wow! I can only dream to get my engine to look like yours . That is a beautiful piece of work. Thanks for sharing that.

Greg
'77 Spider

[kmac33]

Karl,
I apologize and promise to clean the engine and engine bay up a bit before I post any more pictures
I can't wait to see how the motor feels after completing the break in. The performance difference on the one run she's had (The Poker Run at FFO) was a HUGE improvement over the pre-build motor - even keeping it below 4 grand. The only thing I am not happy with at this point is the timing. Set it for easy starting and I'm losing a good bit of performance, maximum performance and it was impossible to start when warm. I hope to remedy that issue very soon with a new variable advance distributor.
Greg,
Thank you for the kind compliment. All it takes is a firm decision to take as much time as necessary to get it how you want it - even it that means not driving the car for well over a year .
Here are a couple more pictures:

Before Rebuild


After Rebuild

[carl55]

Beautiful Job
Why did you change the tag in front of the radiator ?

Carl

[kmac33]

Carl,
Thanks. The tag in front of the radiator was actually put back on upside down when the car was repainted years ago. I just cleaned it up, clear coated it and put it back on right side up.

[Fiat88]

WOW!!! That's a work of art!

[carl55]

Ohhh.... Now that you said it , it is obvious.

Carl

[Rob80Spider]

I have a similar problem. I have a knocking sound coming from the intake cam (cam on drivers side). I've done the stethoscope test and narrowed it down to the drivers side cam housing but its sounds like its not the block. The knocking only happens when the car is in gear and trying to move. At the same time, the car is leaking oil down onto the exhaust pipes. I think I've narrowed the oil leak to the head gasket.

Just to be clear, I've owned this car for a few weeks. I have very little experience working on cars. So if I given the wrong name to a part I hope you'll overlook it. When I took the car in as trade it was idling rough but it was drivable and I did not notice the knocking sound or the oil leak.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would point me in the right direction. I have not been able to find a mechanic in the Kansas City are who knows these cars so if anyone can refer me to someone that would be great.

I guess it would help to know my car is an 80 2000 Paranna Farinna (sp ) Spider. It is FI with a 5 speed tranny and has 55k miles.
Thanks,
Rob

[rocky]

Haven't posted anything in a while, work has been really busy the last couple of months. But anyway, after several delays, my engine rebuild is complete. Had everything put back together and adjusted and it wouldn't hold an idle. Replaced the jets, readjusted and still no idle. Let it sit for a while and came back to it and tried again. Still wouldn't idle well. Consulted a friend and he just said replace the carb. I did just that and it fired up and idled on its own. After a few adjustments it was running like it was new. It has been four months to the day and now its done. Of course, it started to rain today. The weather should be decent next week for a couple of long break in and shakedown rides. I am really excited about this. This will really help me get over the loss of the Alfa.

Now for the body and interior.

Greg
'77 Spider

[So Cal Mark]

thanks for the update, congrats on getting it running well

[rocky]

Thanks, Mark. It really is a relief to have it finished. I just wished that I lived closer to you so you could have done your magic on this car. It looks like it will be dry this afternoon.

Greg
'77 Spider