Hey all,

I've got a noise I am trying to track down and am very unexperienced in this. Here's the scoop, engine is a 305 block maybe 50k-60k on rebuild details unknown. Can hear a 'ticking' sound in front of me when at roughly 1500rpm and up. The ticking increases in frequency as RPM increases and ceases at low speed. It is intermittent as well in that sometimes I don't hear it at all at any speed and my motor sounds real healthy. Then it always comes back. I am thinking maybe valve train or exhaust leak? I just need this engine to last until I get the funds to build a replacement. Thanks for any ideas.

Dan

Dan,
If the car has an automatic trans...try power braking it and see if the noise shows up. If so, there is a good chance it is an exhaust leak, they tend to get worse under load. Other than that, without actually being able to listen to the engine it's going to be hard to figure it out. I would ask around and see if you can find someone locally to lend an ear to you...someone with a bit of experience might be able to point it out real easy.
Hope this helps,

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100

one way to track the noise down is to use a long screwdriver as a sensing device. Move it up and down the valve cover with the other end next to your ear. Rev the engine a little and listen. If it is coming from the valve train, the sound should be amplified and you might be able to pinpoint it's location.

You can find exhaust leaks by taking a length of washer hose or small vacuum line and putting one end by your ear and running the other around all the exhaust flanges and joints while the car idles.

Just watch that you don't melt hte hose onto anything hot.

K

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64 2 Door 400SB/TH350 (actually IN the GARAGE now!)
http://users.rcn.com/chevello
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