BlakCamZ28

I posted this in the external section as well just in case some of those guys don't come in here so if you're seeing this for the second time I apologize but here goes...

I installed SLP Longtube headers last year on my 2000 firehawk and after the install there was a very noticable ticking coming from right before the collector on the passenger side header.

It is not an exhaust leak. There was no ticking sound before the header install. I posted this a long time ago on that other ls1 board and someone sent me a link to this page describing the AIR system block off plates which were basically restictor plates which kept something from fluttering I'm not really sure but I did it anyway and this did nothing to solve my ticking problem. I've learned to live with the ticking since then but now I want it gone and this is why.

I just recently autotapped the car and it turns out I am getting 3 degrees of knock retard which I believe to be false knock due to the ticking sound. If anyone has any ideas as to what this sound could be please lemme know.

Also, If I were to remove the EGR and put block off plates on I know this would throw a code with the computer. But would this affect performance in anyway?

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

Any chance a heat shield is just vibrating against a tube or got bent the wrong way?

ASR OFF

ttt

BlakCamZ28

No it's nothing vibrating around... The best way I can describe it is a lifter tick but I don't think and hope that's not what it is.

BlakCamZ28

Also the ticking is there regardless but I only get the knock under load. If I were to push in the clutch and rev it up high it does not knock.

I run Sunoco 94 gas and this is an otherwise completely stock engine.

Gangly

check your plug wire and make sure the spark isnt arching onto the header. when i have burnt plug wires or if a plug wire is just bad and the spark is arching, i get a loud ticking noise along with misfires and knock

99WhiteSS

Could be a bad lifter, not bleeding down. How many miles on the engine?

Taspeed

iTrader: (1)

Do a compression test on the cylinders closest to the ticking noise. Its possible to have a bent pushrod or valve. On older cars and cars with iron blocks header make an incessant ticking noise by default. Its like an echo of the valve train, but I've never seen an aluminum block engine do this. Anyway, a quick compression test will give you an indication of something bent or it being a lifter collapsed or not bleeding down correctly.

PewterZ

I am having this ame problem...right after header install as well. Mine does sound like lifter but the car is running great.

topfig1

iTrader: (5)

Did you do the Restrictor mod? It's probably your A.I.R. check valve.

topfig
MGySgt USMC

CanuckSS

iTrader: (13)

Hi Guy's,
Sorry to bring this topic up again
but I am having the same problem and am curious
to find out if anybody has a correction for this
problem. I have heard everything from loose plug,
exhaust leak, normal noise from header collector?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Dave

AFTICA

iTrader: (8)

I had the exact same tick about 400-500 miles after I installed my Macs.I was about to pull the passenger side off because I was convinced there was a weld leaking somewhere in the collector or tube joint when the noise disappeared ?? Hasn't been back since.

Dope

iTrader: (2)

How long did you run the car before you did the AIR restrictor mod?

The ticking without the air restrictor mod is the check ball/valve burning up. If you didn't do the restrictor mod right away, it's still burned up and will still tick until you replace the valve or whatever it is.

You really need to do the air restrictor mod when you install the headers, like I did - no ticking at all. I'd grab a mechanics stethescope (however it's spelled) and listen for what part of your air system is ticking and replace the valve or ball that's in there. I can't give a specific answer because I've never had to do it. Worth a shot though.

Dope

AFTICA

iTrader: (8)

Good point Dope, the check valve could've gone bad before he did the restrictor mod.However, I did the restrictor mod when I installed the headers & had that tick for a while, but as I said above it just went away <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Pretty common complaint.Don't know if anyone has pinned down the exact cause.

CanuckSS

iTrader: (13)

Moving on up!!
THanks

J&JsTA

I just posted a very similar experience here Header install ticking After my MAC header install on 15,000km engine and now have ticking,chatter at WOT, but higher up in the RPM band not a first launch and it's on the drivers side though. I have ATAPed and have NO knock retard, not rubbing, no leaks and actually running a little rich O2s 910-920???? I'm at a loss, and I do have the restictor plates on the air tubes <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

<small>[ October 19, 2002, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: J&JsTA ]</small>

CanuckSS

iTrader: (13)

Just in case anybody is interested I checked to see if any
header bolts and/or spark plugs were loose today.
Everything was OK?? The noise I have is a faint valve train
noise and I am beginning to think that is a normal noise
that is amplified by the LT headers? The car seems to be
running better that it ever has if that means anything. I
am sure that if this is a normal noise somebody else has
encountered this. If so, any info is more than appreciated.
Thanks again guy's,
this MB has already been a huge help.
Thanks,
Dave <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />