1978 spider clinging sound in engine

[carman1957]

I have just run the car for the second day in about 4 years. I have never had a problem with the car. That's what I liked about this car . It's pretty easy to take care of. It ran nice and on my way home this evening it started to make a clinging noise when I would rev the engine quickly . The car Idled perfectly, the temp was normal . I just changed the oil and the oil level was perfect. If I slowly revved the engine it would not make the clinging sound. There was some old fuel in there and I topped it up with new fuel. Could it be bad fuel? . I also adjusted the air fuel slightly to smooth out the idle.
Any Ideas?
Thank you
Carman

[RRoller123]

Something mechanically loose? Or timing too retarded and it is pinging at higher revs?

[Martin124]

It sounds like "pinging" to me. Check your timing.

[So Cal Mark]

if you're using 4 yr old fuel, I would expect it run poorly especially under load

[carman1957]

I noticed when I started the car that the choke did not kick in and turned over . The car ran at low revs around 3000rpm. I manually revved the engine for around 20 seconds. The car ran well for about 5 mins. I noticed at a stop light that the engine was slightly rough and began to Ping at quick acceleration, not at slow revs.

I actually am looking forward to get her started this morning and hope it was all a dream. I will fill up with new fuel and add lead additive this morning . I will try to get the timing looked at today.

Cross your fingers......
Thank you so much.
Carman

[carman1957]

Just heard from the mechanic, cylinders 1 and 3 only have 60 lbs pressure 2 and 4 at 120 lbs pressure. Worst nightmare..... It all started with the radiator fan not coming on replacing the switch , than the starter and replacing it. Drove it 1 day and started to ping. This car has never been abused.
Mechanic told me to pick the car up.

I really don't want to get taken advantage of and I need a honest mechanic in Toronto, that will fix it right.

Any suggestions what to look for??? Cracked Head , valves,,, who knows?
I can really use some good advice.....


Carman

[Fi8spider]

You say that temp ran normal so I can't see their being any issue with the cooling system.
I would just keep driving it, sounds like the rings are gummed up a bit from sitting around, they should come loose.
Fresh fuel and if you have a set of new plugs in the budget throw them in for good measure.
Did you change the oil filter when you changed the oil, who knows what gunk has settled in their over the past few years while laying idle.
maybe a good Idea to freshen up the coolant too.
Chin up, good luck and keep us posted

[Fi8spider]

double post

[carman1957]

Thanks for the suggestions.

When the car went in for service recently, the oil and oil filter were replaced.

Is it possible that a head gasket might have failed. It is the cylinders 1 and 3 closest to the firewall which are having low compression issues. The trouble started instantly, not gradually.

Does the 1800cc block have any history of cracking? I don't think this is the case. I do not see any fluids leaking from anywhere.

All help is appreciated.

Carman