FE light tap & rattling noise

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by kevins2

Hi Dan,

It was hard to hear the noise on the video but from what I thought I heard, it sounded like an exhaust leak at the slip joint. I had such a leak and could hear it as a rattling sound mostly when shifting (during engine deceleration) and when idling. Is your noise louder on one side of the car or the other or the same from both sides? It would be strange if both sides were leaking. My slip joints are also sealed with Walker's but I was able to determine exactly which one was leaking. Laying under the car, I grabbed the collector and wiggled it. I could see movement at one of the 4 slip joints - the collector moved differently than the header. The other 3 pipes moved as a unit so could tell they were solid. It was easier than expected to remove the sidepipe, get the old Walker's off and remount. I used a more generous amount of Walkers so hopefully that solved the problem.

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

The rattling sound during light throttle/decel sounds like what I'm experiencing and what was causing me to look at the valve train - but maybe it is some sort of exhaust issue. I just took my exhaust system apart - didn't remove the header pipes completely from the engine but loosened them. Hoping the noise might be a slip joint, I very liberablly coated them with Walkers sealent - and the noise is still there. So this is helping to point me back to the gasket at the heads not sealing.

It does seem to be mostly on the passenger side and even in the video you might be able to tell it's louder at the passenger side rocker than it is at the driver side.

What are you using for header gaskets at the head.

Thanks

[kevins2]

Dan,

I had very liberally coated mine the first time as well, but that one pipe still managed to leak. You might try the wiggle test that I described. That won't be conclusive, as it could still be leaking in a small area rather than the entire joint coming loose. You could also closely inspect the joint to see if you can see any soot indicating a leak. As for my header gaskets, I purchased my headers ceramic coated from ERA and bought their gaskets also. I just got my ERA invoice out and it lists "Primary pipes, set of 8, with special gaskets". So, I don't know specifically what they are.

[patrickt]

I kinda like the sound of tappets.... You could always just tell everyone you have a solid flat tappet cam in there.

[DanEC]

I had the tick as soon as I started it after re-sealing and installing the exhaust so I think a manifold gasket leak is a more likely. At least it is something I can try for minimal cost and effort.

Yes Patrick - I do too, but this isn't quite the same.