My 1998 Dodge Dakota with the 2.5 and 5 speed M has a ticking noise when accelerating. It doesn’t do it on start up or downshifting- only when accelerating or putting a load on the engine. The more I press the gas down the louder ticking.

Any help is much appreciated!

 

Sounds more like pinging. Or a exhaust manifold leak. What grade gas you using? Last tune up?

 

I use 87 grade but I’ve tried 89 with no change to the noise. Last tune up where the spark plugs were changed was about a year ago. I got a brand new engine about 20k ago and the last one busted it’s #4 piston head.
What would be the best and easiest way to check for a exhaust manifold leak?

 

At the risk of sounding simplistic, have you checked the oil?

 

I'm guessing exhaust leak

 

I have. That’s the first thing I thought too

 

What would be the best way to test for that? I also feel like I should mention the exhaust is about half the original length.

 

Check the exhaust manifolds where they attach to the heads. Check for broken studs. Check for indications of blown gaskets (black, sooty deposits around the edges)

 

What is your oil pressure gauge saying? If you don't find anything exhaust related, I'd be tempted to test oil pressure with a good gauge.

 

Oil pressure reads a little high but nothing out of the ordinary. Probably about 70-80 lbs?