loose header bolt = excessive valve noise?

[BlackVert]

in the last few days, my "normal" valve noise has gotten much louder on the passenger side. it is a very loud clicking noise and it is the loudest when the engine is cold and i am accelerating from a stop.

i looked last night, and there is a loose header bolt on the same side near the place from where the noise seems to be coming. could that be the cause of my noise?

 

[urban96]

it could be a small exhaust leak and not a noisy lifter/rocker

 

[Zero Signal]

Hmmmmm . . . . sounds like my problem. I'll be checking my header bolts tommorow! But I have split lock washers on them so I doubt it in my case.

 

[final5-0]

You bet it could

Many folks have been fooled like that

Of course, that has NEVER happened to me ...

Grady

 

[bill302]

very good chance thats your problem,retighten bolt and ensure all header bolts are tightened 20-30 ft. lbs. and a note for reference when installing headers you tighten the header bolts from the center working outward in a two step proceedure first torque all bolts to 15-17 ft.lbs. then step two tighten to 20-30 ft.lbs.

 

[Roland69]

goos tip