Already noticed it a week ago but now it's gotten worse.
Take a listen: https://streamable.com/r6o0lq

It comes from the driver side and i think from under the valve cover to be more precise. (not 100% sure though)

What do you guys think is wrong?
Probably should pull the valve cover first?

I need to drive this car 500 miles upcoming saturday.
So i need to get it fixed pretty fast...

 

Make sure it isn't an exhaust leak. Sounded distorted on the audio, maybe my phone. Was the cam done recently? If it is the stock cam, the rocker arms and bridges do wear our, it might just need a set replaced.

 

Sounds like an exhaust leak.

 

So this "ticking" could be an exhaust leak?
The ticking is more noticable in real than in the video btw...

Edit:
Its got an aftermarket exhaust so please dont misinterpret that for an exhaust leak. It is indeed somewhat louder.

 

Olds didn't use a gasket from the factory between the head and manifold. Every now and then they would start leaking. The quick fix was to throw a gasket in there. Look for the tell tale signs of black soot around the exhaust ports and check where the pipe meets the manifold. If that checks out, pull a valve cover and start pulling pairs of rocker arms. Easy to do and they just need torqued to 25 ft/lbs. I just evenly tighten down each pair, then thr final torque. If there is an excessively large shiny area on the valve contact area, they need replacing. A factory cam on an Olds V8 almost never needs replacing.

 

yes

 

Turned out you guys where right and its just an exhaust/manifold leak.
already ordered a Gasket but unfortunately wont arrive in germany bevor monday.

But as its only an exhaust leak i will ignore it and absolve the 500 miles drive on saturday anyway...

 

Soak the bolts with penetrating oil, repeat, repeat and repeat days before doing the work. Put the penetrant on when the engine is warm (not hot) and is cooling down. This helps to wick/ pull the penetrant into the fastener.

Gather up 9/16" SIX point sockets, wrenches and vice grip type pliers.

Good luck!!!

 

I have had pretty good luck with Olds manifold bolts not seizing and breaking. The one that usually breaks is the top, center bolt. The good news, if it does, it won't effect sealing. If anything that bolt tightened can cause leaks, especially with headers. I broke off another, it was the second one in where you can see the threads, you can use a smaller bolt and nut or drill and tap those ones easily. It they are very tight, borrow, rent or buy an acetylene torch and get them red hot. If the exhaust manifold surface is questionable, coat the exhaust manifold gasket in high temp RTV. I do and never have leaks. It fixed my leaky manifolds on my 70.