Diagnosing knock

[Old_iron]

I bought a used Chevy 350 a while back, was told it ran fine... it needed pushrods installed and valve lash set. It was my first time doing it but I followed a guide very closely.

Now, a couple years later I just got the engine running. I used an oil priming tool first, etc. There is a knock, and using a stick I hear it loudest in the middle of the passenger bank off the exhaust manifold.

Any tips on how I can tell if it is a misadjustment in the valve train vs a problem with the lower end?

[cadillac_al]

Well you could do a running valve adjustment to rule out any errors there or post a video of the knock and get some opinions here. To me a bearing knock is a deeper sound than a lifter noise.

[blazer2007]

I had a problem last year where I could not find where the knock was coming from and it was carbon knock after I took the heads off

[AussieinNC]

You sure the exhaust manifolds are not leaking between the manifold and the head?

[Dead Parrot]

Exhaust leak on the intake crossover can sound like a valve tick. If the intake gaskets are new, re-torque the intake bolts. If you reused the old ones, might be time for a new set.

Sometime belt driven accessories can make noises that sound very much like bad engine noises. Before you start taking the motor apart, remove the belts and briefly run the motor. If the noise is gone, you have your answer.

[blazer2007]

I guess he fixed it. Hasn,t been back. I,m curious what is was after all that fight I had with my motor

[Getter-Done]

You could get a stethoscope for auto use.
They sell them at the Box stores.
That will narrow down your search