Diagnosing noise in valve train.
 

I have a "ticking" sound coming from the starboard head. How do I determine the difference between an exhaust leak, a sticking lifter and/or a bad valve spring?

Thanks in advance,

D. Ocean
Pompano Beach, FLA

Re: Diagnosing noise in valve train.
 

Well I am old school so I usually use a piece of hose as a stethascope to listen to valves etc. They do make nice ones with a long tube like a doctor carries but I seem to never have one around when I need it. Long screw driver also works. Kind of shade tree but you will be able to here which valve noise is coming from if it is a valve.

Look around your exhaust usually there are some visual signs of leaks. Hard to see if you do not have much room. Flappers - I have Teague switables and they drove me crazy for a while. Thought it was a lifter - valve noise.

The flapper noise is distinct...sounds like 100 monkey's hammering on a garbage can. Drove me nuts trying to figure out what/where that sound was coming from!

I don't believe it is an exhaust leak as I just replaced the manifolds (incl. new gaskets). Re-torqued twice.

I'll try the rubber hose trick.

Many thanks,

D. Ocean
Pompano Beach, FLA

If it is an exhaust leak spray (spray bottle) some tranny fluid down the carb while running and look for some smoke coming out of somewhere. Works great every time.:)

Gota remember that one. :D Hope I never need it.