new annoying squeak on 410- sounds bad, plz help!

[classicrocker12]

hi guys (and gals), i've got a 1958 Edsel Citation with the 410 and I just did some work on it. I had the valves ground, some new seats put in, new positive valve seals (instead of the umbrella-type ones), and a new holley carb, and when i finished reassembling it all and i fired it up, it started making this horrible, loud squeaking noise. i've driven it maybe 15 miles since and it still persists, no worse or better. does it at all the time when engine is on, regardless if i'm moving or not. it runs great but with this horrible squeak. any ideas?

[Theo]

That's a very tough one. Can you locate where the noise is coming from? Right or left valve cover area? Block? Similat to like a doctor I used a long fuel line of small diameter that I stuck in my ear to inspect engine areas with the other end.
An other way to inspect the valve train is to use cut off valve covers on a running engine.
Make sure that you have installed the rocker arm shafts with the oiling holes at the bottom rather than on top. Look for the right valve springs, spring damper and valve seal interference fit. Nothing scientifical, just make sure they don't contanct during operation. Watch for a sufficiant lubrication of the valve train assy.
Good luck

[classicrocker12]

thanks, i'll check the rocker arms to be sure they're assembled/installed right just in case that's it. i found the squeaks, though. i pulled a valve cover- bone dry. same on the other side. i even started it with the covers off and there was no oil at all, but sure enough there the horrible squeak was. i am afraid i may have made the dumbest mistake i've made in awhile- i put the head gaskets on upside-down. the gaskets are not "mirrored," so if they're upside down i think it could be blocking the main oil passages to the heads, is that possible? i just hope i didn't damage anything in the rocker assy.

[Theo]

.................... i am afraid i may have made the dumbest mistake i've made in awhile- i put the head gaskets on upside-down. the gaskets are not "mirrored," so if they're upside down i think it could be blocking the main oil passages to the heads, is that possible? .

Well I don't know. My MEL rebuilt was way too long ago. I just can't remember.

i just hope i didn't damage anything in the rocker assy.

If you drove them dry for about 15 miles I would be quite sure that the shafts and rocker arms show deep score marks. Check that out. You can easily purchase rocker arms from an engine parts supplyer who runs FE parts. They are interchangeable. I'm not sure if the shafts are interchageable too but I would think that they do.
If you have used moly lube to pre lube your assy. as you should, then you'll probably have a good chance that the lube saved the rocker arm assembly or at least made the damage less severe.
Check the push rod tips too.
Good luck and let us know what's up.

[classicrocker12]

well i got it all back together. thats what it was. when i pulled the heads, there they were- upside-down head gaskets. runs great now after a valve job and a new holley 4160. thanks, guys

[reijerlincoln]

Glad to hear you solved it (you must've really beat yourself over the head about this faux pas). Did you see any sign of damage?

[classicrocker12]

sorry for the late response here, but no, no signs of damage. i inspected under most of the rocker arms and no discoloration or scoring, and no other damage, either. got lucky!

[reijerlincoln]

I'd say!

[Theo]

Glad to hear things went all right.

[f.a.strong]

I have a damaged seal on my 410. can't find any. What is this positive seal system you are talking about? I need help.