Ticking engine (maybe)
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 305
Likes: 54
From: NC
Ticking engine (maybe)
I have a ticking sound near the engine. I apologize in advance - the video is not good. It's hard to isolate the sound. Originally, I thought I had a loose rocker, bad lifter, push rod issue, etc. But I used a stethoscope along the 1-4 valve cover, and the sound doesn't seem to come from there. I've felt and looked for exhaust leaks - nothing found, although I plan to do an exhaust leak test this weekend (shop vac and soapy spray bottle). The video is taken from under the truck along the passenger's side of the engine. The sound seems loudest when I pan toward the starter (wrapped in a thermal shield). I hear the sound on both sides of the engine, but it's louder on the passenger's side. I also checked the alternator - it's not that.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
1978 F100, 2wd, 302, headers, holley carb, stock cam, C6, nothing special.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
1978 F100, 2wd, 302, headers, holley carb, stock cam, C6, nothing special.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,025
Likes: 890
From: East Central Ia
Check your crankshaft endplay. Ford made some cranks on 78 302's that had a soft thrust surface on the center main. It happened to mine. The ticking I heard was the flex plate moving forward.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 305
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From: NC
I measured endplay at 0.012" to 0.015". Not great, but not worth the cost to replace the bearing. What do you think? This sort of repair (i.e. pulling the engine) is beyond my available space and time. Where I live, mechanics charge close to $200/hr. That's a pricey repair!
Last edited by JJFizzle; May 11, 2026 at 12:48 PM.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 305
Likes: 54
From: NC
Perfect answer! I like less work. I addressed a few exhaust leaks this weekend. I may check the flex plate and also pull the valve cover on that bank. Beyond that, I'll probably just get used to it! Thanks
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
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That's beyond spec for endplay, but I wouldn't try to fix it since most likely the engine has enough wear on it you're going to rebuild it down the road if you keep it. I've seen engines with 1/4" still running.
On these old rigs you can chase ghosts until you're sick of it and it ruins the fun of owning them. unless you have a fresh rebuild or restoration I'd just live with it. it's either going to get worse and become obvious or it won't and you just wasted your time and effort. it's easy to get caught up in making everything perfect, but these rigs never were. they came with a 12-month 12,000-mile warranty because Ford knew that.
On these old rigs you can chase ghosts until you're sick of it and it ruins the fun of owning them. unless you have a fresh rebuild or restoration I'd just live with it. it's either going to get worse and become obvious or it won't and you just wasted your time and effort. it's easy to get caught up in making everything perfect, but these rigs never were. they came with a 12-month 12,000-mile warranty because Ford knew that.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: The Shenandoah Valley
I've listened several times, I hear mechanical noises of a running engine, but nothing unusual or alarming. I did see headers, they will let you hear noises of combustion, valves, etc that are usually muffled by cast iron. Some headers use some slip joints that leak noises and collector gaskets.
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