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Just by listening, how can I tell the difference between a lifter 'tick' and a rod 'knocking'? Engine runs smooth. Uses no oil and pressure is around 50+ lbs. Gets 14 - 15 mpg. I can hear it best at idle.
I had a tick on my chevy truck. Turned out to be a loose spark plug. I had a tune up at the local garage and about a week later I noticed the tick. I took it back and they claimed it was the timing chain which I agreed to have replaced. It still ticked after I got it back and they claimed it was an exhaust manifold which they replaced "for free". (after I wasted 400.00 on the timing chain) It still ticked after the gasket and I didn't want that "mechanic" messing around with it anymore.
After a couple of google searches people mentioned a tick from loose spark plugs. I decided to check and sure enough one of the plugs was just hand tight. I tightened it and the tick went away.
Thanks. I'll check that right now............Well, it's not the plugs. Maybe I should have described the noise as a 'loud tap' instead of a 'tick'. My guess is either a lifter or a rod. I thought they might be diagnosed by ear. I'll try the Marvel Mystery Oil next. It will be a while before I get back. I'm having total knee replacement in a couple of days.
Last edited by slingshot; 06-21-2014 at 12:29 PM..
Just by listening, how can I tell the difference between a lifter 'tick' and a rod 'knocking'? Engine runs smooth. Uses no oil and pressure is around 50+ lbs. Gets 14 - 15 mpg. I can hear it best at idle.
Lifter ticking is sharp and fast and sounds like a sewing machine.
Rod knock is deeper and slower than lifter tick and more base sounding. And it down lower in the block as far as sound origin. It will also quicken in tempo with the revs
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I had a tune up at the local garage and about a week later I noticed the tick. I took it back and they claimed it was the timing chain which I agreed to have replaced. It still ticked after I got it back and they claimed it was an exhaust manifold which they replaced "for free". (after I wasted 400.00 on the timing chain) It still ticked after the gasket and I didn't want that "mechanic" messing around with it anymore.
