Clicking Noise???

[teaks28]

I drive a 78 chevy K10 with a 350 engine. Recently I've noticed a clicking sound, as far as I can tell it is coming from the front passenger side corner of the block.  I thought maybe alternator becuase it went bad, after I replaced that it keeps making the noise.  It usually occurs after driving for a mile or at higher rpms, but after it starts clicking it comes and goes.  Goes up and down in fequency with the engine speed. Does anybody have any idea what it might be, and what to look for, thanks.

[VileZambonie]

Buy a mechanics stethoscope, you'll be able to pinpoint it.

[choptop]

exhaust leak???

[Lt.Del]

rocker adjustment, or bad lifter, but further diagnoses is needed

[gold84gmc]

mine has an exhaust leak at the exhaust manifold and makes a ticking noise(typical chevy problem) so i would check your exhaust for leaks

[joesgarage71]

Buy a mechanics stethoscope, you'll be able to pinpoint it.

 Big screwdrive does the same. press the handle to your ear and the tip to the valve cover, thats where your noise is coming from. Lifters noise comes and goes also stays constant with engine speed.  I will not recommend, but I would just put a qt of tranny fluid in the oil and it would clean it up, if not, time for a rebuild, at least your valvetrain.

If it was the exhaust manifold leakin it would stay constant or go away after operating temp was reached.

[VileZambonie]

I wouldn't say big screwdriver does the same. the stethescope is cheap and can also help you find many other problems. Well worth the $5 bucks. Here's one for $3.99 http://www.toolking.com/products/3116110.aspx?googlebase=16110

[Russ130]

I've used a length of 3/8" hose before and that is almost as good as a stethascope. A big screwdriver kinda works but you could never find a exhaust leak with it. The hose will also find vacumn leaks too.

[the_legend_1981]

Can you pinpoint which valve is making noise with the valve cover on while using a screwdriver, stethescope, or hose?

[Blazin]

Fuel pump maybe?

[Russ130]

Can you pinpoint which valve is making noise with the valve cover on while using a screwdriver, stethescope, or hose?

Yes you can though I don't think you can with a screwdriver since it will be very hard to differentiate the noise levels. First you find out what cylinder is noisy and then just listen if it is louder in one area than another and that area is right above the exhaust port then it would be an exhaust valve or if its right near the intake runner it is an intake valve.

[355shortbed]

Hmm i have that same clicking noise but mine does it when i start it up when its been sitting say 4 hours or more. Mostly when i go to work in the mornings. but only when i first start it and it stays and gets faster when the rpms go up and only does it for a minute or so.But it doesnt do it everytime. A exhaust tick is close in sound to a valve tick unless its a big leak. And a lifter tick would be a constant fast paced tick right getting even faster with rpms? but if it was a weak lifter would it have a clicking sound untill its pumped up?  I have been thinking water pump or powersteering. The clicking sound is definatly coming from the front of my engine.   Just figured id share. I havnt heard of anyone else having a problem similar

[VileZambonie]

If you think it's a pulley driven noise simply pop off the belt. A stethoscope will help pinpoint it accurately if it's an exhaust leak or valvetrain noise. Everyone who works on their own car should own one.

[355shortbed]

ok.. well what are the symptoms of a weak lifter? noises ,etc..

[Lt.Del]

tick, tick, tick, tick
increases with rpm as well