I have a '95 5.0 with 87K miles all stock motor except for full length headers. This weekend I noticed a clapping/tapping sound coming from the passenger side around the alternator/ oil filler location.
The clapping sound can be heard at idle and does get faster as I rev the motor.
I did check the oil and it was toward the bottom of hatch area of dipstick. I do leak very little oil by the oil drain plug (plug may be stripped or washer worn) but the leak is very very little.
I did add some oil anyway and the noise lessened a bit but still very noticeable.
The sound reminds me of a lawn mower the way the motor "claps" away almost like a tractor would sound.
I only drive the car on weekends and the last tuneup was 4 yrs ago about 8000 miles ago.
Is it my valves sticking or maybe my exhaust header bolts backed away? I had headers installed 3 yrs ago.
Any suggestions, I hope this problem is not a serious one - low on cash.
The clapping sound can be heard at idle and does get faster as I rev the motor.
I did check the oil and it was toward the bottom of hatch area of dipstick. I do leak very little oil by the oil drain plug (plug may be stripped or washer worn) but the leak is very very little.
I did add some oil anyway and the noise lessened a bit but still very noticeable.
The sound reminds me of a lawn mower the way the motor "claps" away almost like a tractor would sound.
I only drive the car on weekends and the last tuneup was 4 yrs ago about 8000 miles ago.
Is it my valves sticking or maybe my exhaust header bolts backed away? I had headers installed 3 yrs ago.
Any suggestions, I hope this problem is not a serious one - low on cash.