Ticking/tapping sound from engine on acceleration

Asked by Duffman1125 Dec 09, 2011 at 06:23 PM about the 1968 Ford Falcon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi, I just got a 1968 ford falcon with what I believe to have a 302ci and a 4bbl carb. Engine
sounds smooth except when you accelerate you can hear a slight ticking from the
passenger side. I think it's coming from under my valve cover but not sure. Any ideas? This
is my first falcon project.

8 Answers

85

This might sound weird, but I used to have that problem on a '67 when my oil was low. Simple, but true. I've also seen that when you rev the engine, sometimes the fans are too close to the radiator and when the frame moves, the fan starts hitting it. Just a thought.

2 people found this helpful.
35

you might also want to replace the exhaust manifold gasket, the escaping gasses can give a tappet like noise under load

215

I would check the exhaust gasket as well as check rocker arm torque....the procedure should be available online, the easiest messiest way is to idle the engine with the valve cover off and tighten each rocker arm slowly untilyou hear the engine bog down, then back off half a turn. be extremely careful doing it this way as oil has a tendency to get everywhere and if your exhaust manifolds get to warm you can have a fire.

sticking lifter,change oil & filter.run a pint of trans fluid in old oil,let it idel,dont reve motor,it will clean out engine,drain back holes in heads,let it idel for 15 minutes drain oil ,oil filter put in new oil,oil filter.it will stop clicking.

85

Other thing is the gas... it took me a while to remember to put in as high of octane gas as I could find. Using regular unleaded will make this sound too.

3 people found this helpful.
695

If the ticking is on acceleration its likely spark knock, Check your timing

6 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Falcon

Looking for a Used Falcon in your area?

CarGurus has thousands of nationwide listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Troy Witt
    Reputation
    810
  • #2
    MrBlueOval
    Reputation
    600
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    330
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
9 Great Deals out of 138 listings starting at $3,990
Used Ford Mustang
54 Great Deals out of 1,606 listings starting at $6,200

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.