This afternoon my 1981 non turbo 280zx started making a clacking noise. the noise is coming from with in the valve cover. I experienced no loss in power, or a drop in oil pressure. and the temp is steady. would any one of you guys know of any common problems that theses may have or what it could be?

- Michael Simons

 

Welcome to Zdriver!!
You probably had a lash pad fall out.

 

Pull off the valve cover and take a look!

 

That would seem to be the logical first step

 

I just got it off and the lash pads seem to be fine. i check them and they all apered to be in place. so i put every thing back together to start it back up and the sound seams to be coming from the timing chain portion of the valve over. Could it be possible that it could be the timing chain tensioner?

 

A visual check is a good start, but you need to check the rocker clearance with a feeler gauge. Also check that the timing chain has NO slack.

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx...g-noise-27532/

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx...-anyone-18772/

 

Speaking of which does anyone ever use the ST10640001 tool for torquing? I think NismoPick was talking about that in one of his threads....