It might be the timing chain tensioning arms. im pretty sure thats what they're called. When i bought mine it had 66,000 miles and 2 of the 4 were shattered and was making a small ticking noise. Thats just a guess.

 

First thing I would do is fill up with higher octane fuel (93+) and see if it goes away. If it does, it may be detonation and could be as simple as old/bad gas. Run through that tank and work your way back to 87 with 91 and fresh fuel. Along the same lines, if it is all orignal components, the fuel filter and plugs might need to be changed if they are 9 years old...

Also, check if it could be an exhaust leak around the manifold and then down to the mid-pipe.

 

Tapping and clicking noise is fairly normal on these cars. Monitor it for changes. I remember when I first got my car, I was calling the prior owner and was very concerned. Ever since the noise has been unchanged, and now I don't hear it. Search for tapping or clicking, and you will find lots of threads. If it's a non-problem, it could be timing related.

 

Well, yall made me feel alot better. I was starting to think I have a valve tapping, and that I was going to have to pay someone a boat load of $ to have it fixed.
I will try the highest octane fuel I can find, and also make sure the sound doesn't change.
In all actuality it could be me just being paranoid about this car. :-D

Thanks!

 

pull the valve covers and see if the timing chains are loose

 

My injectors seem to make a lot of noise when the car is still cold, sounds a bit like a tapping or clicking... I don't think much of it because it goes away as soon as the car gets up to temperature. Is your noise constant?

 

I think the 93 octane fuel fixed it. I don't here it any longer. I changed the brand fuel I use, I now will only use Sonoco highest octane available.

Thanks again!

 

check your spark plugs,and make sure there tight,my started tapping before it blew out

 

same on mine just before they blew out.

 

One of the best and inexpensive tools you can buy is an auto mechanics stethoscope. Using one of those you can pin point where the noise is coming from and have a much better idea of what you're possibly dealing with.

 

this might sound stupid to you guys, but i found that the ac condesation drips on the right side exhaust and eventually it cracks. very small crack, but makes the tapping sound. i think all 6's do this. may be a problem with yurs. i just replaced the ex manifold, but i need to figure a way to route the drip away.


if u figured yur issue out already.... sorry to revive a dead thread