Exhaust note regarding 51 Ford 8N

[papabear]

As some of you know I purchased a 1951 Ford 8N at an auction recently and so far I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
But I do have one question.
At idle or slightly above the exhaust makes a popping noise but when you throtle up it is not present. Back down to idle or slightly above and the popping returns.
The engine runs absolutly smooth and quiet.
What would cause this and is there an easy remedy for it? Dosen't seem to be a problem other than just irritating.
Thanks for the help!

 

[Dave M7040]

I would be checking valve clearances and looking for a tight valve.
Dont ignore this!
Dave M7040

 

[bucktaker]

I am would just leave it alone unless you are experienced in this area of mechanics, I have noticed with my buddies 600 ford a slight difference between idle sounds and running at speed sounds. Been like that for 20 yrs.

My neighbor's to-35 does something similar at idle again no issues

 

[Soundguy]

first check for lean.. pop corn popping can be lean.

checking valves would be my next.

 

[Dollar Bill]

Intermittent miss is not unusual for updraft, flatties due to low vacuum signal at idle. Most likely a lean miss as SG offered. You could try fattening the idle mixture but don't be surprised if doesn't change. Log it off to quirks of the design.

 

[super55]

Is this loud along the lines of almost sounding like a backfire or is it just an intermittent "pop" here and there?

My oliver does the same thing but it's not loud or even consistent. It's just an occassional pop here and there but does not sound anything along the lines of a backfire. I've seen old fords, MF 30's and even an old Wisconson 2 cyl. V-twin motor do the same as my oliver and they all ran fine at idle as well as at WOT.

Could this occassional pop be caused by the fact that these are points ignition and without an advance and at idle the timing could be slightly off?

 

[Soundguy]

( yeah.. at idle there are plenty of normal reasons for a pop or put-put ).. if it runs fine at throttle.. it should be ok.

a tight valve will still be tight and pining at throttle.

as long as it is not lean.. and goes away at throttle.. he should be ok.