I need some diagnostic advise

[patdow1]

I recently had a harmonic balancer go out on me, I've since replaced it with a Pioneer balancer and I've been hearing a ticking noise? I adjusted my timing which didn't solve the problem and have since bought a set of Crane 1.7 "Cobra Rockers" and FMS hardened push rods since I thought I may have a bent rocker or a crushed push rod. Are there any other things that I should consider replacing or checking to solve my ticking noise since I will have the covers off?
Thanks
Pat

 

[sublime29]

Hello! You 1st have to find out where on the engine it is tickin from.A good way to find out is a mechanics steathascope (like doctor listen to lungs with).You can also use a piece af tubing like old rad house or the like and put it to your ear and move the other and around the engine all over the top of each valve cover and listen for the tickin.I had a smog pump that made a ticking noise.Might want to remove serpentine belt and start car long enough to listen for your ticking. Later Sublime

 

[patdow1]

Already did the steathascope deal and the ticking noise seems to be coming from the passenger side more than the drivers side valve cover. Even checked all the plugs for proper gap or possible fouling Thanks for suggesting to check the water pump but mine is working fine.

 

[jrichker]

Leaking exhaust gaskets will make a similar sound. Check them out while you have the hood up.

 

[afast93stang]

When does the ticking occure? at idle or when driving?

Have you had your headers off reciently? sometimes a ticking noise is caused from an exhaust leak. The gaskets are $15.

If that doesnt work the next suspect place would be lifters. How many miles on the engine?

I doubt you would have a bent pushrod or rocker if your engine is stock.

I just replaced my lifters last week because of a ticking sound and most of my lifters internal springs had collapsed due to high mileage and abuse from the previous owner of the engine.

Old (165k miles) vs New - You can see a difference in depth where the pushrod is seated...

 

[patdow1]

It only occurs while driving and not at idle. The engine has 160K. It's So funny that you mention the header gaskets I too thought that might be a possibility but the ticking only occured after the failure of the harmonic balancer which lead me to target the valvetrain. I think youve made somehere good suggestons so I think I'll get some new lifters as well since I'll already have everything apart. What style and brand of lifter did you decide to get? I need all the advise I can get. I've looked through my cataglogs and noticed that some cams come with lifters for FREE! LOL. But thats where the problems are gonna start. I was told by the previous owner of the car that he put in a 2800 stall converter which will affect which cam I decide to get. If it doesn't makes any difference I guess I can get the cam for a 3000 stall since that is what I really want and just use the new lifters till I get the new converter since lifters cost around $90 and Cam+lifter cost around $120

 

[afast93stang]

A cam isnt worth doing unless you get a new set of heads at the same time...

As for lifters, I went with the ones from Ford.

I get all my stuff at Lemodel, have been goign thiere since 2000 when they first opened.

http://secure.50resto.com/product1.cfm?SID=1&Product_ID=1467

 

[patdow1]

Thanks!