71cutlass442

I hear a ticking coming from the drivers side can't tell If its up top or down bottom. Please help how can I tell if its a loose rocker arm?? Is it my oil? 10w-40 high milage?? On a low milage motor. I've tried Lucas oil but no help. Thanks in advance. Oh and the car sounds like a diesel truck in the morning

tru-blue 442

A 'tick' is usually associated with a collapsed
lifter, mushroomed or bent pushrod, loose rocker
or a combo of all three.

If it sounds like a diesel, your timing may be way
to far advanced. I would pull the valve cover
and do an inspection. Depending on where you live,
10-40 maybe a little thin. I personally use Vavoline
30 weight racing oil. No need to add zinc, it's in there.

rjohnson442

x2 on all the above Sounds like a diesel= Usually is timing related. I'd check/confirm timing hasn't slipped first.

oldcutlass

You can use a rubber hose like a stethoscope to chase down a ticking noise. The diesel noise may be a sign of a lifter issue relating to your ticking noise. I would start by pulling the valve cover off on the noisy side and investigate loose or worn rocker assy's. 10w40 should be fine for your engine.

Tony72Cutlass'S'

dont forget, a ticking sound can also be a (or many) loose exhaust/header bolts.

this happened to me, i couldn't diagnose the ticking for the life of me. turns out i lost a header bolt and there was a slight leak.

71cutlass442

Tony you were right on point!! I guess it was my collector gasket cause the noise is gone! Yea man!!

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Awesome! great to hear.

I had a thread awhile back when i was trying to rip apart my valvetrain, cleaned it all, put it back together, tick still there.

I went to a car show and an old timer told me "Son, you're missing a header bolt, might make that tickin' go away"

Sure enough, problem solved.

oldcutlass

HAhahaha, funny about ol timers huh. Glad you fixed it.