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So my stepson after getting his project car running has now forgotten to check the oil in it.
Yesterday as he was driving home it went dead on him. He pulled over got it cranked up and the only way it would run is if he gave it gas, it would not idle. He coasted the last little bit home then came to ask advice. I went down and he cranked it up, had to hold the gas down some to keep it running. My Lord what a clanking sound from under the valve cover. First thing I did was take the oil fill cap off and looked in. Asked him did it have any oil in it. Pulled the dipstick and got the true answer, none. He went and got oil and filled it back up to full. The car still has the noise but not near as bad and seems to want to idle somewhat now. We are going to pull valve cover off this evening. What do I need to look for that will be causing this? Teens, ya got to love em. Thanks

 
Rep Power: 125

I’d drop the oil again. Chances are you’ll have some metal in there. If that’s the case, you’ll at least need rod bearings.

You can check spark plugs for oil too. If it’s soaked or covered in old crud, it’s burning a lot of oil.

 
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What is the clanking? Valves? This is getting closer to being over my head to at least look at and diagnose

 
Rep Power: 125

Send a video. It could be a variety of things. Most likely either valve lash or rod knock.