Can someone help me identify this noise? I’ve pulled the valve covers and oil was pumping very well. I’m hoping it’s as simple as replacing a gasket.


It sounds like a ticking noise. I don’t think it’s a lifter, but I’m not sure.

 

An audio recording and engine identification would help a lot.

 

Do you have a mechanic's stethoscope? IDing a rocker arm tick should be pretty easy when you remove the valve cover.

 

If the rocker arm pivots, wear, down, the lifters will click. What I use to do, is take the valve cover off, start the engine and take a small feeler gauge, and slip it under the rocker tip, and if the noise goes away, the you know which one is making noise. If it is a exhaust manifold leak, it usually is heard when engine is first started, and when it warms up goes away, unless it is real loss.

 

Disconnect spark plug wire on suspected cylinder. If it is a header gasket leak, the tick will not be there or quieten way down depending on how bad the leak is (if it is a leak). Also, Olds64 has an excellent idea with the stethoscope. You can get them at good auto parts stores.

 

Stick a piece of 1/8" vacuum tube in your ear and use other end to listen around you definitely will hear a header leak. Really!! works great!