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I just bought a 79 'F150 4x4 400 big block truck three weeks ago. I have put about 300 miles on it, and have been working on a few minor issues. Replaced ac/heater blower motor. Steering , exhaust were next on the list. Took it for a spin around the neighborhood, and when I got back I heard that ticking sound. It's coming from the valve cover around the number 3 piston.That dreaded lifter tick sound. My heart hit the ground!!! I imagine it's gonna hurt the wallet a lot. Where to start??!!
Make sure it isn't an exhaust leak. If not get that cylinder on it's tdc and check the pushrods for slack. Do you know anything about this motor ? Was it rebuilt ?
I was told it was a crate motor that was put in about 6 yrs ago. A high school boy used the truck for mudding. The father put a lot money into the truck. However somewhere along the line it had 2 broken leaf springs and sat for over a year. Got sold due to a divorce. Some older gentleman picked it up ,replaced leaf springs and sold it to me. He said it was too high for him to get in. Ha ha
I just replaced the spark plugs also.....which look well over due. Could the new plugs cause an issue ??? I know the tick was not there before I changed the plugs. ( Like I said I only drove about 300 miles )
It does have an exhaust leak at the exhaust manifold/ exhaust connection...maybe a bad doughnut there. But, that is on the passenger side. This ticking is on drivers side.
Well....I don't know what say....but I went back and checked all the gaps and 3 and 5 were gaped too open. Re gaped them and ...Shazam!!! The ticking is gone. I wonder if I was hearing arcing.