tick...

[BlazinLow_inORE]

Lately..(within the past 3 months or so) i have noticed a semi-loud tick in my engine... it only does it when i take off... or first start my car..
I have been told by other that it could be a lifter... any thoughts?

[bvr775]

more than likely it's a lifter, but assume that's the onlything that will case a tick. Get a stethascope (sold at most auto parts stores and sears) and listen around to pinpoint the tick. It could be a simple as tightening a bolt on you alt bracket, but it could also idicate a bad wrist pin(common in high milage abused engines).
check your injectors, if you have them, as well.

if it is however your lifters ticking you will at sometime in near future have to replase them, but I would'nt worry untill thay are ticking constently or you engine starts a lobeing miss.

[Minitrucker4lyfe]

Sounds like a lifter to me also.

[miself_s10]

lifter...and not to be stupid, but check the oil....old enough it could be leaking oil and plus its startin to get chilly which will make things worse

[BlazinLow_inORE]

it was leakin oil actually.... i just had the guy "fix" it.... but i still think it is leaking at the pan... so i bought a pan and am planning on doing a pan swap...

[Matt 4.3 TBI]

I've had a tick caused by a leaking exhaust manifold. I pulled the manifold and installed new gaskets and it went away. Since I switched to headers, I have to tighten the bolts periodically to keep them from ticking. Like others have said, it can be a lifter or wrist pin, give the age of the motor. If it's coming from the valve covers (use a stethoscope to determine) it's most likely a loose rocker arm. They tick like all hell.

[jjwalker]

do you think replacing a wrist pin should constitute a full rebuild or would it be possible with just dropping the pan and pulling the piston out?

[sparky2263]

The cyl. head has to come off to get the piston out.

Depends on the mileage/condition of the engine whether that's a viable alternative.

[BlazinLow_inORE]

160k... 1988 motor... its in pretty **** good condition.. just a little dirty

[sparky2263]

160k...hmmm....tough call. Guess it would depend on what you see when you pull the head off.

[BlazinLow_inORE]

yeah.... havent really had time to do that.. been busy running around to school and work.. when i get enough days.(this winter) i will pull it off