Valve Lifter Noise...need some help!

[alone_and_insane]

On the way to the M&G yesterday, my engine started making a new ticking sound. I think it's a lifter or something, but I'm not positive. I should really take care of this ASAP before it turns into something serious. Could somebody help me out with it sometime this week?

[ezcruisn71]

Make sure you check your header gaskets first. If the gasket is leaking it can sound like a lifter ticking. Easy way to check for a leak is with a 2 foot hose about 1/2" to 3/4" inside diameter. You can even use an old piece of garden hose. Start the engine and go all around the header were it bolts to the head with the hose held up to your ear. If there is a leak you will hear it through the hose. I use this trick at work all the time to find exhaust leaks on the engines we test on the dyno.

[ITSSLOW]

Just as rick said, I'd start with checking for header leaks. If that checks out OK I'd go ahead and pull the valve covers and check your valves.

[ICEPICK]

i agree. i check mine all the time just incase i overlook one bolt.

[alone_and_insane]

if headers do prove to be the culprit, what do I have to do? just double-check that all the bolts are tight and tighten them if necessary?

[ICEPICK]

yep

[prorac1]

Mine come loose a couple times a year. I just keep a 3/8 wrench in the console and give them a little snug when I hear em tick. Also I use felpro brand factory steel embossed manifold gaskets. Look them up for a 1991 chevrolet 350 tbi half ton pickup. They are the silver ones with the embossed square perforations. And they dont cost a fortune like the percys, etc, and they dont blow out like the el cheapo ones. But as far as bolts coming loose, it happens, not much you can do about it. But its easy enough to snug them ocasionally. Hope this helps, Eric L

[nascarnate326]

As a add on to Peter's question, is there a trick to getting to the rear header bolts?

[alone_and_insane]

As a add on to Peter's question, is there a trick to getting to the rear header bolts?

nope, just a regular PITA

actually, we installed the headers before the trans, so it was easier for us to get at some of the bolts from underneath.

so does this mean you finally got some headers for that thing?

[prorac1]

I reach all of my header bolts from the top with an open/box 3/8 wrench. All, with the exception of the pass side front which is behind the alternator. IIRC I cant reach that one with the alternator on the car. Other than that one they are all easy. I am running BBK shorties. Eric L

[nascarnate326]

Mine has shorties on it. Someday it will have LT's.

[JoeliusZ28]

As a add on to Peter's question, is there a trick to getting to the rear header bolts?

bottom of the car.... unfortunately i think your headers are going to be 10x harder to deal with than your average longtube.

[alone_and_insane]

I went around and checked the header bolts on the passenger side, and all of them seemed tight. However, I discovered that the EGR hose on the passenger side was disconnected. idk if we forgot to put on a hose clamp or what.



I reattached it and started the car, revving it up a bit as well, and it didn't seem to make the noise anymore. I suppose I won't know for sure if it's gone until I drive it to work tomorrow.

[ezcruisn71]

[meissen]

Delete the EGR while you're there.