Tapping Noise

[SYNFULL]

A couple of days ago I started noticing a tapping noise coming from my car. I thought it was an exhaust leak so I tightened all my header bolts. The noise is still there and it sounds like it is coming from the rocker/valve area on the drivers side rear. I pulled the valve covers but don't really know what I am looking for. The rocker arm at position 1 (front of motor) is down a little bit, and the rocker at position 8 is down more. I guess there is no way to tell if this is correct or not. I am posting some pics but they **** because my son must have borrowed my good camera. So - what is my next step. Do I start the motor with the covers off and see if I can tell where the tapping is coming from. Is oil going to fly all over the place?

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Thanks
Gary

 

[Jack B]

There was a post something like "Clacking Sound coming from Motor". You don't have that problem, but, there was a discussion on rockers/lifters. If it is a lifter or rocker, you should be able to isolate it with the stethescope.

 

[SYNFULL]

Thanks Jack,Do they sell these stethescopes specifically for cars?
Gary

 

[SYNFULL]

I bought a stethascope and could not hear the tapping noise coming from anywhere in the engine, although it was very interesting hearing all the swishing, whirring sounds coming from the differant areas. The tapping noise only comes during load. Does that eliminate anything? Now I am back to thinking it is an exhaust leak again.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Gary

 

[Jack B]

A noise under load could be (doesn't have to be) a bearing. Don't run it any more till you change oil and cut the filter open to see if you have any debris. Has the oil pressure changed from the norm?

 

[SYNFULL]

I will check that today.
Thanks

 

[RobHook]

Syn,

My car has recently developed the a tapping noise in the same area. Using a mechanic's stethascope (a great tool, btw), I found that it was the fuel injectors. Check that before you tear it down any further.

Also, if it's an exhaust leak, you can probably feel it. Probe around with your hand while the car is running (careful as the exhaust gets very hot, very quick) and see if you can feel warm air coming from anywhere. I had this problem once too and it was the exhaust gasket. If you drive a car with an exhaust leak for too long, it could eat away at the metal where the leak is occuring, causing it to be very expensive to repair. Didn't happen to mine but it's possible.

--Rob

 

[SYNFULL]

I had a mechanic look at it today and he told me in 2 seconds that it was an exhaust leak. I have the belanger headers and I read that the gasket that they send is no good. I can see where the gasket is cracked in 2 places. I am definately relieved
Can anyone recommend a good gasket to use? I read something about metal gaskets somewhere but I don't know if that's the answer, or who makes them.
Thanks
gary

 

[carguy07]

The stock metal gaskets work great. Should be easy to find too.

 

[SYNFULL]

Thanks- I will call tator and order them.
Gary