Ticking in the engine bay ...

jwinkler · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2003, 05:02 PM

... the alternator?!?!?

It sounds for all the world like a lifter problem, but the screwdriver stethescope indicates the valvetrain is making beautiful music.

I don't have any loose bolts on my exhaust manifold, and no backfires that would otherwise indicate an exhaust leak.

The only other thing that's moving on that side of the engine (the sound is very clearly from the passenger-side front) is the alternator. It appears to be charging well (the car always starts, and the accessories all run). The serpentine belt appears to be in good shape, but I haven't checked to make sure it isn't wobbling.

Is this something I just live with (once I've made sure everything's tight)?

JLW

Lowell W · #2 (**permalink**) 08-29-2003, 07:19 PM

Is there a bad spot in the belt?

Sal Gerace · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2003, 10:31 PM

Weird thing but on my FE Mustang if I put the dipstick in upside down it would hit the crankshaft and make a slight tapping /rubbing metalic sound.

xlr8or · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003, 12:00 AM

Try running without the belt briefly and see if it goes away.. If so then it's external accessories.

Nantucket427 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 01:18 PM

Many people never get use to that sound. Are you running solid lifters?

WBofTN · #6 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 02:42 PM

I replaced 2 waterpumps years ago before i figured out that
it was the belt making that ticking sound.
If you get antifreeze on youbelt ,
it will make a dry spot and that will cause a ticking sound.
A quick fix is to put a little Vasaline on your belt.

Dirty Harry · #7 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 02:58 PM

Darken the area your car is in and watch in the engine bay for a leaking plug wire which is allowing spark to arc to ground. Under certain conditions it sounds like a mechanical ticking.

Okiesnake · #8 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:44 PM

Hopefully its not something like this http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/t16847-15&pagenumber=1
Assume nothing, take your valve covers off and look around. Also it could be not enough clearence of the valve covers. see Valve-train valve-cover clearance

PatBuckley · #9 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 05:48 PM

Time bomb?

Traveller · #10 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 08:20 AM

A couple of questions:

Does it change with engine RPM?

Are you running a mechanical fuel pump?

Steve R · #11 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 08:38 AM

JLW,
I think Pat is onto something. You better call the F.B.I. Terrorists may have infiltrated your garage! RUN LIKE HELL!!!

Seriously, it could also be an exhaust leak from your header. Leaks there can sound very similar to valvetrain noise.

jwinkler · #12 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 11:44 AM

It may well be the belt - I would not have thought to look at that, but I took a drive this morning and heard some belt squeal.

I am fairly certain it's something on the front of the motor - the sound is definitely coming from the front passenger-side accessories area.

I do have solid lifters, but the lash is good, there aren't any scratches on the inside of the valve covers (Okiesnake - your pictures gave me nightmares last night - hope you're back on the road!). Also, the screwdriver-stethescope reports nice smooth mechanical sounds from different points along both valve covers.

I'm also ruling out an exhaust leak for the moment - I've had those before, and right now I'm not getting the usual "gunshots and flames" backfires I used to get, and header and sidepipe bolts are secure (and based on advise from ClubCobra, I also got rid of header-to-sidepipe gaskets in favor of high temp RTV sealant, and that's been working well).

Bonos · #13 (**permalink**) 09-15-2003, 08:26 AM

Jwinkler,
You might want to use a bar of soap as a belt lurbricant other than vasaline.
just a suggestion
bonos

Bryan Wilson · #14 (**permalink**) 11-12-2003, 12:48 AM

I had a ticking noise and swore it was a bad lifter.
Went all over the valve train with a stethiscope an all sounded normal.
Moved the scope down the headers and about 3" down between the pipes nearly blew my ears out.
There was a 1/16" hole in a header pipe.
I am fitting the headers back on tonight.
Cheers,
Bryan

Bluesman · #15 (**permalink**) 11-14-2003, 05:09 PM

I did the same exact thing Bryan Wilson went thru. I could have sworn it was my lifters. It was a tiny, tiny hole through the header gasket between the head and the header. It was way down and in the rear, #8 cylinder. I finally spotted that sucker and put a different type of gasket in. The engine is set back 10 inches from stock and was a pain to repair but eliminated that elusive ticking sound.