PineClone Posted March 16, 2017 Report Share Posted March 16, 2017 Spring means its time to take my datsun out from winter storage, and i'm remembering an issue from the Fall that i never was able to resolve. There is a ticking/snapping sound coming from the engine compartment. We can't pinpoint the location. It is not an exhaust leak, but it does resemble that sound. The best way i can describe it is that it is a sharp snap, like an electrical wire arcing, and the frequency increases and decreases with the RPMs. It used to be intermittent and would only show up on hot days. Now it is pretty frequent. Another clue...when the engine is hot, if i shut down the engine when it is making the ticking sound, and then start it up again a few minutes later, it will sometimes go "cough-cough-sputter-sputter" [rev it up and...] "POP...tick-tick-tick-tick..." The POP is not a backfire. My guess is a sticky lifter. Though i don't really even know how to address such a thing. And finally on the sticky lifter thought, i did add some magical marvel mystery wonder oil to the fuel last summer, and did so regularly. This seemed to address the issue for a short time, but then the ticking returned. May just be a coincidence. Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks. -Scott Quote Link to comment
Nutcase Posted March 16, 2017 Report Share Posted March 16, 2017 Most likely it is an ignition wire leaking. these cars do not have hydraulic lifters. unless you have had the head off recently they should not have self clearance. Quote Link to comment
Roadster-ka Posted March 16, 2017 Report Share Posted March 16, 2017 Try looking for a electrical leak in darkness. Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Most likely it is an ignition wire leaking. these cars do not have hydraulic lifters. What he said, they use solid lifters. Sound like an ignition wire. But you could always do a valve adjustment just in case? Quote Link to comment
Dolomite Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Have a helper rev the motor whilst you touch all wires in the engine bay, when you light up like a Christmas tree you've found your problem area. 1 Quote Link to comment
Cosmonaut Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Most likely not.....BUT, I had a warm air diverter in the exhuast manifold go bad n it made all sorts of odd noises. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 If louder under load it's an exhaust leak. Check valve lash. Hearing an electrical spark over a running engine is ... unlikely. If there was a spark jumping somewhere the engine would run rough, and that wasn't mentioned. Check the valve lash. Quote Link to comment
Cosmonaut Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Most likely not.....BUT, I had a warm air diverter in the exhuast manifold go bad n it made all sorts of odd noises. Not an exhuast leak. The spring loaded flap under spring pressure. If the spring breaks or other such nonsense the flap makes a lot of noise. Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Spark plug wire was my first thought while reading your post, as the motor moves during acceleration and load the spark plug wires tend to also move if not properly secured, the pitch of the spark sound will vary with the distance between the compromised wire and nearest ground. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.