92 LT1 engine tick
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
92 LT1 engine tick
Hi looking for help on finding the source of this ticking noise. I hear it on the drivers side of the engine. The noise is apparent when engine is cold and stops when engine is at operating temp.
Currently sitting at 104k miles with original engine and transmission.
Checked the gasket for the exhaust manifold with soapy water and see no bubbles. I’m starting to assume it’s a lifter tick but I’m not sure if it’s a stuck lifter or a worn down roller tip.
If it is a stuck lifter has anyone tried an oil flush to loosen the lifter? I’ve heard of draining 1qt of oil and filling with ATF then running it for a couple mikes to loosen up sludge before a complete oil change. If anyone has done this or had similar problems please let me know. Thank you
Currently sitting at 104k miles with original engine and transmission.
Checked the gasket for the exhaust manifold with soapy water and see no bubbles. I’m starting to assume it’s a lifter tick but I’m not sure if it’s a stuck lifter or a worn down roller tip.
If it is a stuck lifter has anyone tried an oil flush to loosen the lifter? I’ve heard of draining 1qt of oil and filling with ATF then running it for a couple mikes to loosen up sludge before a complete oil change. If anyone has done this or had similar problems please let me know. Thank you
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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Id use a section of hose held to my ear to attempt to pinpoint the source of the noise. If you think it's lifter related Id remove the valve cover to observe rocker arm movement and to get at the sound better. Ive never tried it in my oil but some people claim success with Seafoam for noisy lifters.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Update
Went back to thoroughly check the exhaust system with a smoke machine. Found a leak between the manifold and heads, I was not looking forward to changing out the gasket but to my surprise 2 bolts were finger loose. Tightened them up and no more awful ticking noise!
Thank you.
Went back to thoroughly check the exhaust system with a smoke machine. Found a leak between the manifold and heads, I was not looking forward to changing out the gasket but to my surprise 2 bolts were finger loose. Tightened them up and no more awful ticking noise!
Thank you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 961
From: Communist Colorado
Update
Went back to thoroughly check the exhaust system with a smoke machine. Found a leak between the manifold and heads, I was not looking forward to changing out the gasket but to my surprise 2 bolts were finger loose. Tightened them up and no more awful ticking noise!
Thank you.
Went back to thoroughly check the exhaust system with a smoke machine. Found a leak between the manifold and heads, I was not looking forward to changing out the gasket but to my surprise 2 bolts were finger loose. Tightened them up and no more awful ticking noise!
Thank you.
If its lifter related, when Cold, a lot of times it will be quiet...until the oil heats up and thins out a bit, then the tick will get more intense.
Glad you figured it out.
Last edited by 81c3; Mar 23, 2026 at 08:43 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 21
From: Columbus OH
Appreciate the uploaded clip as I'm hearing the same (but passenger side) under same conditions on startup on my LT4. Feared a lifter tick but now I'm definitely going to check the manifold bolts. Thank you!
