First off, it’s been a while. I relocated from MD to TX in June so been pretty busy.

Didn’t drive the truck to TX (had it moved) so it’s not like I overtaxed the engine with 174K on the odo. It’s always had the tick on start-up that goes away in a few seconds. Went to Lowe’s this past weekend and while driving (especially when passing cars or near a Jersey wall) I heard a constant tick. It did not seem to get louder or faster as engine speed increased. When I got home I had my wife accelerate the engine while I was underneath, and to me it sounded like it was coming from the right side.

Yesterday I went out and ran the engine while parked until it came to operating temp. I only heard it when rapidly accelerating, and only at the initial acceleration. Even at 4000 rpm it sounded good. I just hear that initial tick (sounds like castenets) upon initial rapid acceleration.

i’m thinking not an exhaust leak as that should leak all the time. And a rod would be louder and more banging than ticking. I have no codes and other than that tick, engine performance is normal. Do you think this could be a sticking lifter? I don’t think so, but maybe.

I’m open to suggestions.

 

Any ideas?

 

Spark knock? How old are your spark plugs?

 

At least two years old, but probably less than 5-7K miles on them. And I would say it does not sound like engine knock (detonation). That’s a distinct sound for sure.

i tried to record the sound but it did not come out well. Does the exhaust leak tick only make noise when under a load but not when revving in neutral?

 

Maybe, depends on how bad it is. Might be able to see it at night though...

 

Exhaust leak. Right manifold but not from broken/missing bolts. About 1/2 way down the right side. Manifold very corroded and needs to be replaced as well.