Sounds like a lifter, You will swear it is a lifter, You will say "no way is that metallic sounding tick tick tick an exhaust leak". You will be suprised when it is.
Small block engine ticking noise
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
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Small block engine ticking noise
Have an issue that is driving me nuts. The front of the engine is makes this ticking sound. I thought it was the valves or lifters, but removed the valve covers and all seems fine. I removed all belts thinking it was the water or stearing pump but the noise continues. The ticking continues even if the engine is reved up. Could it be the fuel pump? Does anyone have any info on what it could be? Thanks.
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
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Use a long screw driver or a mechanics scope to listen on the engine to where the noise is coming from. You said that you took the valve covers off did you have the engine running at the time? If not it could still be a lifter that is the problem.
As others have mentioned it could be an exhaust leak or the fuel pump.
David
As others have mentioned it could be an exhaust leak or the fuel pump.
David
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
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Yes removed the valve covers and started engine the noise was not coming from the rockers but seem to be from the water pump location. Very strange. All belts are off the engine so fan nor power steering is working.
Burning Brakes
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From: Ontario
Does the noise change from cold to operatimg temp, does the oil pressure drop with temp change. Is it hydraulic or soilid lifters and did you over rev the engine prior to the start of the noise ?
Bill
Bill
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Fuel pumps can certainly do it. The spring can break or the pin get sloppy that hold the arm in place. Pretty easy to ck by pulling it off and taking a look.
JIM
JIM