Engine/valve train noise or something else?

97_slobra · Feb 25, 2013

97' cobra, I have recently noticed a light ticking noise if I'm next to a building in a drive through or perhaps in a car wash bay etc.. Out in the open at an idle the noise can not be heard, at least I can't hear it (at idle) with the slightest bit of gas applied I can hear the noise from what sounds like the driver side back part of the motor, I.e, header, bellhousing, back of head, block area. With the hood popped the noise CAN NOT be heard from the top of the motor.

I do know I have two exhaust leaks that I am fixing as soon as I have the time to put the car on a rack.

This is definitely not a knock like a spun rod bearing, bent rod, broken piston etc, like I said its a slight tick.

TBacon · Feb 25, 2013

Good chance it's a header gasket or a cracked header

'97'Cobra · Feb 26, 2013

I have the same thing going on. I can only hear it in a drive threw. Kinda sounds like a lifter tick

97_slobra · Feb 26, 2013

'97'Cobra

That is exactly what I was thinking. A lot of the gm LS motors, especially the 5.3's make why sound like an identical noise!

'97'Cobra · Feb 26, 2013

Mine has been doing it for years and hasn't gotten any worse or better. I'm not worried about unless it gets louder.

97_slobra · Feb 27, 2013

Have you checked your plugs?

'97'Cobra · Feb 27, 2013

everything is tip top. If the motor was acting up or something I would have to pull the valve cover thats an all day event so thank goodness its not progressing. I have actually ran into alot of sn95 cobras that have the same tick. I dont believe it to be a isolated thing, like the mach 1s or so. Your good.

97_slobra · Feb 28, 2013

I checked all the plugs on the driver side. All were snug I didn't torque them. It hasn't gotta any worse though. My view box isn't on the trans so I'm wondering if its not something coming from the clutch or something... It does it reguardless of if the clutch is engaged or not...

Engine/valve train noise or something else?

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