I've got a '92 F250 XLT 4x4 5.8L. I'm hearing a clicking noise when the engine is running. It is quiet when idling but gets louder and faster as I accelerate. It seems to be related to rpms because when I'm driving and it shifts into a higher gear the noise gets quiet again. I've heard this noise on other trucks too. Any ideas on the cause?

 

from what i have read here, "exhaust tick" is pretty common on these trucks. i have a 1994 with the 5.8 and i have the same symptoms as you ... barely audible at idle (can only hear it if i lift the hood and listen closely) , louder when put into gear and accelerating, then silent when cruising. i was worried at first that it might be the beginning of bottom end trouble but it has gotten no worse in the 6 months that i have been driving it so i don't even notice it any more.

 

I had a busy weekend and couldn't mess with this at all. From what I've read it seems like it's a leak in the exhaust manifold. Would this be something that could be repaired with something like this VersaChem/3 oz. metal repair (83009) | Exhaust Repair | AutoZone.com or would I have to buy a new gasket, or even a new manifold?

 

I would not use that product to attempt a repair.

Instead (and I am currently at this phase ), everyday I would spray the exhaust manifold bolts with penetrating fluid for up to a week.

Then I would remove the front (passenger on mine - that's where the tick is coming from) tire and the wheel well plastic. This would give great access to the exhaust manifold bolts.

Here is what might be causing the ticking sound.

- loose exhaust manifold bolts (install new ones - using anti-seize - and tighten/torque according to sequence instructions)

- cracked exhaust manifold (replace or upgrade to headers)

- warped exhaust manifold (install good quality exhaust manifold gasket)

For my fix, I am going to call for pricing on shorty headers and also order up some new bolts. I will also order up a good quality exhaust manifold gasket.

HTH

 

Okay, thanks for the info! Is this something that someone with VERY little mechanic experience could do? I don't want to make anything worse.

 

the answer to your question is ... yes, and no.

there is no rocket science involved here ... simple removal and replacement of parts ... HOWEVER ... take note of what cjc said about soaking the fasteners with penetrating oil for a week. exhaust hardware is right up there with the worst for being difficult to remove. without the patience learned from bitter experience you could well end up with a bunch of studs which are sheared off flush with the head. i have not bothered to repair my exhaust tick for this very reason.

if you want to go ahead and give it a try, do some reading up on removal of frozen fasteners and best of luck to you.