The 1600SP thick stud motor in my splitty ute is down on power. The past few mornings when I start it, there is a loud clattering from 3/4 head which goes away after about 10 seconds or so. The engine warms and idles fine, but when I drive it and put the gas down it feels like there is a miss.

I've checked its getting good spark at all plugs, checked all the ignition and the carb seems ok.

I was going to pull the rockers off and torque up the lower head bolts to 23ft/lbs but you can't get to the top 4 bolts.

Anything else I can do to check it before I pull the engine and pull the tinwear off to check the top bolts?

Thanks

Steve

can you smell more fuel than normal? is there any extra oil drips under the car? from around the head or cylinder area? do a compression test too and see if you are down on that side. I think i may have a similar problem in one of my motors. I'm going to cross my fingers and drive down to Valla anyway!!!

that tapping sound can also be cam followers. they may be worn. do an oil change and see if there is any sign of small metal filings.

I'm sure you've checked your tappet clearances since this would be a useful diagnostic....

hth