I have a '69 SS 396 which recently started knocking (not a lifter tick) while the engine reaches normal temp. Then the problem dissappears when the engine is warmed up. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

I would say your bearing tolerence is starting to get big, and when engine warms up, everything starts to expand and gets tighter and knock stops, that generaly is what causes knock on startup, and quits when warm.

Rocky Hill

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A Man And His Chevelle!
It's A Beautiful Thing.

My66SS (http://www.geocities.com/rocks66ss)

Could be piston slap, especially if you have forged pistons in the engine. Newer forged pistons contain silicone in the alloy to help prevent this by controlling the expansion rate. Older pistons tend to slap a bit when the engine is cold.

Thanks for the info, I am not the most knowledgable person when it comes to certain car problems. With regards to the pistons, I assume they are forged if that is what is originally in that vehicle. Rocky, what is the remedy to the bearing tolerance problem if that is the issue. The engine only has 75k original miles on it but does get put to work pretty hard sometimes.

Are you sure its a "knock" and not a slight exhaust leak at the manifold or exhaust pipe connection that goes away as the temperature comes up?

JJ'65 has a point, you might want to check out the possibility of exhaust leak at the manifold first.
but to answer you question, if it is bearings, rods/mains the problem will just get worse over time, the cure is a rebuild.

Rocky Hill

------------------
A Man And His Chevelle!
It's A Beautiful Thing.

My66SS (http://www.geocities.com/rocks66ss)