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| Registered Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Macquarie Australia 
					Posts: 510
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				Ticking noise
			 
			After rebuilding the top end of my 3.3 (rings + head work) there is a distinct ticking sound coming from around the center rear(away from the fan) of the engine. The ticking sound becomes noticeable after the engine warms up and seems to be about 1 every 2 engine revolutions. I can hear it even when driving the vehicle. I pulled the engine and re-adjusted the valve clearances accurately using a dial guage. The noise is still there. I also did a cold leakdown with the engine removed and the numbers were good (4%-6%). Can anyone give me an idea on the steps to track this down? Steve 
				__________________ 2008 BMW 320i 2006 Mercedes ML320 2004 Mercedes ML270 cdi 1998 Porsche Boxter 1988 Porsche 930 Targa (sold) Last edited by rotorhead; 02-24-2006 at 04:22 PM.. | ||
|  02-24-2006, 04:20 PM | 
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| Registered Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: City of Seattle, WA 
					Posts: 3,374
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			Do you have a stethoscope, with the long tip on it for pinpointing the noise?  narrowing the area down can really help. I had a noise like this that turned out to be a broken valve spring, though it sounded to me like a poorly adjusted valve. No telling yet whether yours is the same problem though, probably not likely. 
				__________________ Andy | ||
|  02-25-2006, 05:11 AM | 
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| Forced Induction Junkie | 
			Keep in mind exhaust leaks will generate a ticking sound that you would swear is mechanical noise.
		 
				__________________ Dave '85 930 Factory Special Wishes Flachbau Werk I Zuffenhausen 3.3l/330BHP Engine with Sonderwunsch Cams, FabSpeed Headers, Kokeln IC, Twin Plugged Electromotive Crankfire, Tial Wastegate(0.8 Bar), K27 Hybrid Turbo, Ruf Twin-tip Muffler, Fikse FM-5's 8&10x17, 8:41 R&P | ||
|  02-25-2006, 07:47 AM | 
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| Registered Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Holland 
					Posts: 113
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			I agree with WERK I : Once I also had a "ticking" noise... After some research the exhaustmanifold - head connection was leaking... And no, it wasn't noticable by traces of carbon etc. This was also after the rebuild... Other "ticking noise" I once had: One of the so called "elephant feet" (valve adjustment screw) was worn out. Yes, you can set your valves properly but once the engine is warmed up the worn out elephant feet will start ticking... Good luck! Dick 911SC cab | ||
|  02-28-2006, 11:00 PM | 
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| Registered Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Port Macquarie Australia 
					Posts: 510
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			Great info guys. I am back home in Australia at the end of the week and I'll check all three suggestions and let you know. Steve 
				__________________ 2008 BMW 320i 2006 Mercedes ML320 2004 Mercedes ML270 cdi 1998 Porsche Boxter 1988 Porsche 930 Targa (sold) | ||
|  03-01-2006, 01:18 AM | 
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| Registered Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northern CA 
					Posts: 4,703
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			I had this for a few years and then finally did the top end.  Turned out to be very worn valve guide.   Hard to believe this is the cause for you since if the valve stem to guide was loose enough to make an obvious noise it would not measure or feel during the re-install, but I guess stranger things have happened.   What I had was a definate tick tick sound, I thought it might be exhaust leak...then pulled the exhaust to look and $$$$ later had a rebuilt top end and lots of other stuff...clutch/etc.
		 
				__________________ Sold: 1989 3.2 coupe, 112k miles | ||
|  03-20-2006, 02:04 PM | 
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| Registered Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: minneapolis MN 
					Posts: 463
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			My bet is on the exhaust leak as well. One of those cost me hour to hunt down. Just didn't really believe that that could have been it till I ruled everything else out....sometimes I like to learn the hard way! Nabil 
				__________________ '71 S track car, 2.7L & Webers forever! | ||
|  03-22-2006, 06:56 PM | 
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