ticking from engine on drivers side

[jperry1290]

I bought my EB back in July '10 and it spent the better part of last year on jack stands. After adding a new intake manifold, carb, dizzy, valve covers and finally getting it running I notice a slight ticking sound on the drivers side that come and goes. I dont think I have a vacuum or exhaust leak. Should I be concerned if its a lifter or valve problem?

 

[moe d]

make sure your header bolts are tight first. then proceed. Might be a loose lifter

 

[rustbucket]

x2 on the header/Exhaust manifold bolts. Tighten them up first. If that doesn't work, pull it off and check the gasket. 9 out of 10 times, that's what's causing the ticking sound.

 

[marty]

what year is the engine. the older engines use cast iron rail type rockers which wear. the newer style uses non rail type stamp steel rockers.

 

[Brody74]

I'm assuming you changed the oil when you put all the parts in, but
If you haven't it's always a good place to start.

 

[jperry1290]

yes oil was changed. the stock exhaust manifolds were never removed during any of my work, but i will check them anyway

 

[broncnaz]

Slight ticking noise is no real problem probably just a worn lifter that might not be pumping up its quite common. heavier oil might make it go away until the oil thins out. Might also just be gummed up a little try some marvel mystery oil in the crank case see if it helps. If it was a loud and constant ticking then there would be some slight concern that the valve train might be worn. Or like was said it could just be some wear in the valve train for the most part there's little you can do about it and no real reason to try and fix it until your ready to go through the engine.

 

[huntersmky]

check your push rods. I had a bent push rod on the intake side of mine that was making a ticking noise. It takes five minutes to remove the valve covers and make sure everything is tight. Mine was due from bad gas being run through the motor

 

[JDJ]

My bronco had been sitting for about 10 yrs when I got it. I got it running and I want to say from day one it also had a ticking noise coming from the drivers side. I currently have the intake off for my EFI swap. I got looking at the push rods the other night and found one that was bent. Looks like it may have been hitting the head (inside hole bore)where the push rod runs up to rocker.

I'm not saying that is your problem, just mine. But it could be a possibility. First check header/exh manifold bolts and go from there.

 

[half cab]

I have the older 351w in mine and if I don't run octane booster ever so offten the drivers side makes a tickin sound,but I have had to adjust the rockers in the past(same side) and even had to put a jam nut on one to keep it from backing off?

Gene