Engine Ticking

[ammachine390]

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).

[carnuck]

Could also be exhaust leak (loose manifold bolts) or loose flexplate bolts (if auto)

[Amc1320]

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!

[eagleman]

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!

[ammachine390]

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.

[carnuck]

The last couple years of tin cover 4.2L motors (first few Eagles) had a sticking valve issue on #2 cylinder.

[IowaEagle]

Timing chain slop is my guess.

[BenM]

If it varies with oil pressure it could be a worn lifter.

[ammachine390]

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

[ammachine390]

Any thoughts based on the videos?

[carnuck]

I have trouble hearing in person due to my head injury.

[BenM]

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.

[ammachine390]

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.

[A-A EAGLE]

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

[carnuck]

They do that if the plate is dented OR the torque converter is about to snap it's neck.