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When it rains it pours (my van that I was using to haul a small cargo trailer across the country just died) ... Just the past day or so I've noticed that my truck is making a faint ticking sound only on hard acceleration (like especially while hauling the 5er) most around town driving doesn't make any weird noises. Any ideas? I still have 1800 miles left to go in my trip.
It's due for an oil change, and we topped the oil before we left and accidentally put a little too much, if that info helps.
Timing lights aren't too expensive and they are pretty easy to use. I live in a tin shed in the middle of the desert* so if I can use one then I reckon anyone can!
Get the light, connect to battery while engine is running. Hook the sensor to the #1 spark plug lead (usually front right when looking at a V8). Now aim the 'gun' at the harmonic balancer and pull the trigger.
You will see a mark illuminated by the strobe effect from the light coming out of the gun. It will tell you where the initial timing is. Say its at 12 degrees BTDC (before top dead centre) and the manual/specs call for 5 degrees BTDC, you now loosen and adjust the distributor (with engine running and light still on, get 2nd person to help hold light) until the reading matches what it should be.
You should do this with your vacuum advance disconnected from the distributor, too. It is a minor thing but will help the accuracy of the reading. It sounds complicated but is a very straightforward process once you do it once or twice.
I've noticed that the hydraulic lifters in our trucks can exhibit a bit of a ticking sound when it's time for an oil change...when the oil is dirty and starts to lose its viscosity
It's a different sound from when you first start the truck after the lifters bleed down. Pay attention and you'll probably notice it goes away after your oil change