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Author
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Topic: how to tell an exhaust leak from valve/lifter clatter
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project66
Gearhead Posts: 246
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-21-2001 05:05 PM
   
I hear clatter from one side of my engine. It's not particularly loud- couldn't hear it when the headers were open  and is only audible at low (<1800) rpm. I readjusted the valves and it's still there. This is a new cam and lifters. New exhaust manifold gasket, too, and Blackjack headers.Is there a trick to differentiating between exhaust and intake noise? Going to have the intake off tomorrow for a new gasket. Anything I can look for under there? TIA and TTFN-
JimO
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 42859
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 08-21-2001 06:57 PM
On an exhaust leak, you can feel the air moving with your hands. On headers, you can sometimes see the soot marks.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
Ford. The closer you look, the better WE look!
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bluestreek
Gearhead Posts: 1724
From: Athens,GA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 08-21-2001 07:11 PM
Also, exhaust leaks tend to have a "pop" or have a "ring" to them..
A good way to check for rocker ticking is to take stethoscope or long screwdriver and stick it to the valve cover and see if it gets louder.. 
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project66
Gearhead Posts: 246
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-22-2001 12:17 PM
OK- So, I'll check the exhaust gasket on that side for soot marks. I'd already attempted to isolate it with a screwdriver- couldn't tell where it was coming from but I never was real competent at that.Next question is: what do I do if it the noise is coming from the valve train? Can I rotate the engine while the intake is off and hear/see a sticking lifter? What else could be causing this noise? Appreciate your patience with the simple-minded questions, folks. I'm learning. JimO
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 3053
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-22-2001 12:34 PM
quote:
A good way to check for rocker ticking is to take stethoscope or long screwdriver and stick it to the valve cover and see if it gets louder.
This is also a trick I use whenever I buy a car. The seller is usually freaked out by my apparent expertise and stops b*ll****ting on the price!
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wythors
Gearhead Posts: 2693
From: The cold, gray Pacific Northwest
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 08-22-2001 01:28 PM
The easiest way that I've found to isolate an exhaust leak it to have about a 2-foot long piece of 3/8" hose. Stick one end in your ear and trace the other end around the exhaust ports and flanges. If there's a leak, you'll be able to hear it very clearly. This way you won't burn your fingers either. ------------------
Dave 1993 5.0 LX convertible.
Part-time driver of one badass black 96 Cobra.
MCA Member #47838
M&M Member #666
Life is GOOD!
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project66
Gearhead Posts: 246
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-22-2001 01:56 PM
Nice suggestions, thanks.Gonna try the hose trick, Dave. That sounds excellent. Appreciate the help-
JimO
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 42859
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 08-22-2001 07:16 PM
Excellent idea, Dave. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
Ford. The closer you look, the better WE look!
IP: Logged |
project66
Gearhead Posts: 246
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-22-2001 08:39 PM
Guarantee you that I'll find some way to burn my fingers though. JimO
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steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 8796
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 08-22-2001 08:45 PM
Jim,Do it when the engine's cold.
SteveW
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 776
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 08-22-2001 09:29 PM
Have a friend turn the crank really fast with a ratchet. That should keep you from burning your fingers.  quote:
Originally posted by steve'66:
Jim,Do it when the engine's cold.
SteveW
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