I have recently done a PI head swap involving replaceing my heads, upper and lower intake, and replacing my exhaust manifolds with headers. After doing all this work I have this tapping noise that I only hear under a load. I first thought it was an exhaust leak but after doing some research i'm wondering if it could be a head gasket leak. If anyone has had any experience with this please let me know.

 

never really heard a head gasket make a tapping noise when it goes bad. double check you header bolts,recehck spark plugs.

 

never really heard a head gasket make a tapping noise when it goes bad. double check you header bolts,recehck spark plugs.

 

if it is an exhaust leak I think that I should be able to hear it at idle. I installed a pair of pace setter shorty headers. Are these headers known for being hard to seal up or for bad welds.

 

i had a few manifold bolts rusted off on my 97 stock manifolds. couldnt really hear the leak at idle. as soon as i popped it into gear and took off loud annoying tick.after it was warmed up it wasnt as loud.

 

check you header bolts,recheck spark plugs! But if you had a light lifter tap in your motor with the headers it will make it louder due to thinner piping