Sounds like an exhaust leak, but I don't think so

[ddm156]

I have had a ticking noise from my engine for quite some time now. I don't think that my headers are leaking anymore. I used some garden hose as a stethoscope and found a jet of air right around the corner from the header on the passenger back side of the motor - just a little below the valve cover, that corresponds with the ticking sound. What is this?? Was it/Should it be plugged?

 

[bax]

Put a bolt in that hole and plug it. It is part of the old EGR crap

 

[ddm156]

Did something come loose??? I didn't have the tick for 2000 miles on this motor, then suddenly down the road one day it started...Anybody have a clue what size bolt it is so I can save some time?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Thermactor plug on the back of the head (not EGR). They can fall out if not put in tight enough. I had one come out once. I could hear the exhaust leak, but took extra work as I was not looking for it on the back of the head. Bolt or allen screw are usually used to plug the hole if the thermactor plug isn't used. The thermactor plug is threaded on the inside so you can use it to bolt accessories to the front of the head since the heads are reversable (back of the right head is the same as the front of the left head).

 

[bluesbish]

probobly took 2000 miles to burn all of the carbon out and begin leaking.LOL

 

[68 Broncoholic]

Warm up the motor and then tighten up the bolts. The gastket could be toast already if it continues to tick. Replace the gasket if needed but also check for cracks.

 

[bknbronco]

My exhaust manifold leak a bit from the rear of the pass side also. I have noticed that there is a small chunk of gasket missing in the very back. It started out a loud tick, but after retorquing the exhaust bolts a few times it has gotten better. Id retorque (i went 40ft/lbs). If that dont fix it then maybe you need a new gasket like i do. Reinspect the gasket and make sure your not missing a small chunk like i am. I think mine blew out when it was backfiring all the time.