AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => The Engine => Topic started by: ammachine390 on June 04, 2014, 01:35:17 PM

Title: Engine Ticking
Post by: ammachine390 on June 04, 2014, 01:35:17 PM
My Concord has developed a ticking noise over the last few months. It's very noticeable under load, so when idling in drive, its most noticeable. Idling in park it quiets down and doesn't tick as much. I'm thinking that it's a lifter tick. Any easy solutions to this, or any other ideas? (I've heard that smog pumps can create a ticking noise when going out, but I took the belt off and nothing changed, so its not the air pump).
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: carnuck on June 04, 2014, 03:54:15 PM
Could also be exhaust leak (loose manifold bolts) or loose flexplate bolts (if auto)
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: Amc1320 on June 04, 2014, 05:00:52 PM
My dad's concord was ticking like that, then eventually it started missing

We took the valve cover off and the rocker bridge on the number one cylinder had broken, it was a pretty easy fix and now it runs smoother and quieter than ever.

I know it's a pain the take the valve cover off, but it might reveal the problem . Also while it's off you can paint it nice!

Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: eagleman on June 04, 2014, 05:30:25 PM
We had a 82 Eagle wagon that we had bought new and a year or so later I pulled a pop up camper with it and it ticked after that. I pulled the valve cover and found a bent push rod on number three cylinder. Put in a new push rod and problem solved. Drove that Eagle for ten years after that then sold it to my father in law who drove it to Florida and back to Ohio several times. He then sold it to my brother in law who destroyed it. Idiot!
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: ammachine390 on June 05, 2014, 11:49:15 AM
I had a feeling it's related to the valve train as it sounds as though its coming from the top of the engine. I know AMC put out that technical service bulletin in 1982 about push rods being too short, I wonder if they were ever replaced in my engine. I was afraid the only solution would involve taking the valve cover off, really don't want too as its been leak free ever since I put the aluminum cover on 4 years ago. I will check the manifold bolts though.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: carnuck on June 05, 2014, 01:03:46 PM
The last couple years of tin cover 4.2L motors (first few Eagles) had a sticking valve issue on #2 cylinder.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: IowaEagle on June 05, 2014, 04:16:07 PM
Timing chain slop is my guess.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: BenM on June 05, 2014, 04:25:19 PM
If it varies with oil pressure it could be a worn lifter.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: ammachine390 on June 05, 2014, 08:31:33 PM
Well I tried to investigate a little further. I pulled off the distributor cap then turned the engine back and attempted to count how many degrees the crank turned before the distributor started to rotate, and my estimate is about 6 degrees. I also took a couple of videos so you can hear. I doubt I'll be able to investigate this much further as I currently use the car everyday and do not have a second vehicle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJXbHNkXa4Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOQjCqzYkM
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: ammachine390 on June 08, 2014, 11:23:09 PM
Any thoughts based on the videos?
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: carnuck on June 09, 2014, 12:15:53 AM
I have trouble hearing in person due to my head injury.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: BenM on June 09, 2014, 01:16:37 PM
It sounds more metallic than I expect for a lifter. Try running it without belts (only a minute or two) to eliminate any accessory noise.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: ammachine390 on June 19, 2014, 09:30:25 PM
Quote from: BenM on June 09, 2014, 01:16:37 PM
It sounds more metallic than I expect for a lifter. Try running it without belts (only a minute or two) to eliminate any accessory noise.

Finally got a chance to do this tonight. Took off all the belts, and it didn't make a difference, still made the noise.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: A-A EAGLE on June 21, 2014, 05:17:45 AM
I am pretty sure it has someting to do with the flexplate touching the steel sheets that cover the lower gap of the bellhousing.

ANjo
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: carnuck on June 21, 2014, 11:50:15 PM
They do that if the plate is dented OR the torque converter is about to snap it's neck.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: ammachine390 on June 23, 2014, 04:32:38 PM
To me it sounds like its coming more from the top and and front of the engine, but I cannot pinpoint it. I unplugged the vacuum advance hose today while it was idling in drive, and noise reduced to how it sounds while its idling in park, faint but still there.

Also, after observing under the hood for 5-10 minutes, my clothes really smelled like exhaust, starting to lean toward exhaust manifold leak.

Quote from: carnuck on June 21, 2014, 11:50:15 PM
They do that if the plate is dented OR the torque converter is about to snap it's neck.
Quote from: A-A EAGLE on June 21, 2014, 05:17:45 AM
I am pretty sure it has someting to do with the flexplate touching the steel sheets that cover the lower gap of the bellhousing.

ANjo

The transmission was rebuilt less than 2 years/15,000 miles ago. I'm not saying its impossible, just seams unlikely. It doesn't sound to be coming from the transmission either.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: A-A EAGLE on June 24, 2014, 09:58:58 AM
Try to use an auto mechanics stethoscope to detect where the sound is coming from. U can use a (long) screwdriver as alternative where the steel core goes trough the grip. Put the end on different spots on the engine and put your ear at the top end and listen. Abit rough but it can help to detect the problem.

Anjo
Holland
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: A-A EAGLE on June 24, 2014, 10:02:28 AM
Just check if the sound is coming from the bellhousing. I had it several times without a big reason. Most of the time it just touches the metal plates.

Anjo
Holland
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: carnuck on June 24, 2014, 01:48:50 PM
Make sure the converter bolts aren't coming loose! I've seen shops tighten only 3 of the 4 in the past.
Title: Re: Engine Ticking
Post by: maddog on June 24, 2014, 09:32:55 PM
Quote from: carnuck on June 24, 2014, 01:48:50 PM
Make sure the converter bolts aren't coming loose! I've seen shops tighten only 3 of the 4 in the past.
x2. I have had them come loose on me before and it sounded like I was about to throw a rod it was so loud.