Help me identify my problem please!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: minnetrista, minnesota, usa
Help me identify my problem please!
OK, so here's the story. Within the last month or so, the vette ('80) started to make an airy sort of tick noise. The noise was most noticeable when i was accelerating from either a slow speed or stop. The noise is made in timing with the turning of the engine. I checked briefly to see if anything was loose, but i don't think that it is the case. the noise doesn't seem to hinder the performance of the car any but the noise still bothers me. It seems to be coming from the left side of the engine compartment. I don't know what the problem is or if you guys can help on such limited info. Thanks :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 4
From: Windham, NH
Re: Help me identify my problem please! (vettepowA)
It could be an exhaust leak from the header on that one side. The reason I say that is because of your description of when the noise occurs.
[Modified by Jim Martley2, 11:30 AM 8/6/2001]
[Modified by Jim Martley2, 11:30 AM 8/6/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
From: Monument Colorado
Re: Help me identify my problem please! (vettepowA)
I would first check the donut seal between the manifold/header and the exhaust pipe. Might also be the manifold/header gaskets themselves. Good luck! :chevy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: Help me identify my problem please! (vettepowA)
Take a length of tubing and place one end against your ear. Move the other end around through the engine compartment to isolate the exact area where the tick is coming from. I used this method yesterday to find a loose vacuum line that was hissing. It's a poor mans stethoscope.
Shannon
Shannon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,752
Likes: 0
From: Chattanooga TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Re: Help me identify my problem please! (vettepowA)
I had a similar problem in my last car. ('76 L-48) It sounded like valve clatter, but it was a little deeper sound. It turned out to be the flexplate to torque-converter bolts. I removed the inspection plate and tightened all of the bolts. They all needed between 1/2 and 3/4 of a turn. Never had any more problems after that. Good luck.
