PIMP-150

Yeah, I'm waiting till I get some money and then I'm going in and replacing all the plugs and cops. If it still ticks, I'm replacing the injectors as well...

00gstang

Injectors aren't the problem, don't mess with them.

You either have a bad lifter, an exhaust leak, a loose plug, or something on the bottom end is making noise. My bet would be an exhaust leak. Check that out first. Then check the plugs and make sure they are nice and tight.

PIMP-150

If I rule out an exhaust leak and the plugs, how would I check for a bad lifter?

00gstang

You can get a doctor's stethoscope and put it on the valve covers. If you hear a loud ticking, then there is a bad lifter.

Check your plugs first, and make sure they are nice and tight. Last thing you want is a blown spark plug. These motors are known for that because there are very few threads inside the heads. Once that is good, check out the manifolds for an exhaust leak.

PIMP-150

Would removing the oil cap while the engine is running make the sound any louder if it was in fact a lifter? I did that and the sound didn't change. If that won't work I'll invest in a stethoscope. I'm trying to find some time to get out there and do the plugs

00gstang

Well, if you put your ear next to the valve cover, can you hear the loud ticking? There will be some noise, but it shouldn't be loud.

PIMP-150

I don't notice it coming from the inside when removing the cap. I just took it to an exhaust shop and he said it doesn't have any leaks. I'm going to pay him 250 to replace all the plugs and injector o rings, mainly because I don't feel too comfortable with it. He thinks it's the injectors so if the plug change doesn't do it, I'll have the injectors cleaned or replaced. I'll keep you guys posted so maybe this helps others with this problem

00gstang

ya, plug is probably backing its way out of the head. $250 sounds pretty damn steep for a spark plug job .... if you have a little car knowledge you could probably do it your self ...

PIMP-150

Yeah Ive got the knowledge, but don't have the tools nor the time. I don't mind paying for the work, just ready to have some peace of mind that my plugs aren't going to blow. Thanks for your help, man

PowerJunkie

Oh SNAP! I've got the same ticking! A plug backing out huh? Great!, I can barely get to the front plugs. It just keeps getting better and better.

After a quick inspection, on mine, I'm almost leaning towards an exhaust leak. But that's probably not right since the truck has started running bad again (like a fouled plug) but not bad enough to throw a check engine light yet so I dunno.