To check the plugs, I dont think you'll really feel the air by it, you need to pull the coil off, stick a plug wrench down in there and check for tightness. It really is not that hard if you have the tools. You'll need an 8mm(5/16) socket to remove the coil, then pull it off and the plugs are down in the holes. They're deep, you won't be able to see them and you'll need a plug socket and an extention.

If it has been ticking for quite a while, I wouldnt put this off too long. Keep us updated.

 

I'm in Biddeford, exit 32 on the Maine Turnpike......which means it's 32 miles from the Maine/NH state line.

Where are you located in NH?

Steve

 

mine was ticking and it was the manifold bolts on the passenger side 2 had broken off and was causing a ticking noise

 

Norm............are you interested in giving me a hand with this?

Let me know,

Steve

maineultraclassic@hotmail.com

 

Check the exhaust manifold. I have the same problem and when I looked at it yesterday one of the studs from the engine block had broken off and that was causing the ticking.

 

If it goes away when the engine warms up(a minute or two of driving), then I'd say it is an exhaust manifold. If it keeps ticking I'd say you have a plug getting ready to shoot out. I have had both on my truck. I heard the ticking noise for about a week before mine popped out.

 

I had a ticking just liked the one described in these posts. There immediately, faster with acceleration etc. I was told (by well meaning individuals) that it was exhaust leak, or lash adjuster/lifter, normal for that engine. It really bothered me. This past Sunday, I removed the 2 rear passenger side plugs. The second to the back looked fine. I cleaned it up, put some anti-seize and dielectric grease on the plug and replaced. Started to pull the one all the way in the back, and thought....Was that loose? Got it the rest of the way out. It was very gunky. I cleaned it up, treated it, put it back together and YEA! It ran fine, no more TICKING (TICK TICK TICK TICK TICK.......).

Thanks again,

Don

 

If the plug blew out, you wouldn't need the hose to find it. It's REAL loud! What the prior post suggested is that the plug may just be LOOSE and some compressed charge may be slipping by the threads on the plug, causing the noise. Take your time and just check all 4 plugs on that side with a wrench. Make sure the engine is cold when you do it. It may be a hassle, but if you catch a loose plug before it blows out, you may be saving yourself thousands of $$$.

 

I'm going to be taking a closer look at the plugs tomorrow night. The ticking is still there, it's not going away when the truck heats up like I thought it was. I've look all over the exhaust manifold on the passenger side and can't find anything wrong.

I'm really starting to think it's a spark plug coming loose.....so that is where I'm going to concentrate my focus.

How do I get to the plugs again?

8mm socket to remove the coil, then a long extension with spark plug socket to check the plugs?

Thanks,

Steve

 

Found the source of my "ticking"...........

Broken studs on the passenger side exhaust manifold.

Going to call tomorrow to see about getting it fixed.

All spark plugs were tight..........so that is good.

Steve