Arrowstorm

Rebuilt 350 in 72 Vista Cruiser. NOS lifters, and rockers. Dual shorty hedders.

The problem I'm having isn't a real problem because the engine runs beautifully. But at rpm's higher than idle, say accelerating quickly, I can hear a ticking in the engine, almost a tapping.

Everyone who hears this while riding in the car with me suggests an exhaust leak and at first, that's what I thought. However, I have replaced exhaust gaskets and made sure that the bolts are tight at the heads and at the pipes.

You can't really detect a small exhaust leak until the engine is wide open, you know?

So what else could it be? What am I not thinking about? I have thought that maybe it's a "tapping" caused by a collapsed lifter or something, but is there a way to tell for sure without pulling the intake? It seems to definitely be coming from the driver's side of the engine, and again, I can't really hear it at idle. Only when accelerating or sustained high speeds.

One reason everyone thinks it's an exhaust leak somewhere is that it DOES seem to disappear when I lay off the gas pedal. And I can't really replicate the noise by working the throttle with my hand as it's parked.

But I have tightened every bolt from where the headers join with the pipes and at the heads. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Buz

jcdynamic88

it sounds like an exhaust leak to me,it may not be leaking from a gasket surface.headers are welded in numerous places and they could have missed one tiny spot,maybe where the tube meets the flange.i like to use a piece of metal brake or fuel line with a piece of rubber hose to put to your ear to pinpoint leaks.you may have to have someone put it in gear and torque it slightly to make it more noticeable.jc