engine tick help

96gt4.6

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Been trying to figure out what this tick is, all new timing components with metal tensioners.

When using an extension to ear I can only hear the tick when placed on the exhaust manifold on the passenger side second port back from front.

It only ticks at idle
 

cobrajeff96

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Could be an exhaust leak, could be improperly installed tensioner, low oil pressure at lower rpm causing not enough tension and thus chain slap, valvetrain component on its way out.....could be a bunch of things. Maybe get a real oil pressure gauge plumbed into the system and that can help rule out at least one of those possibilities.
 

ttocs

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start the car and while it is still cold get your hands in/around the exhaust manifold and see if you can feel any hot air moving. Also take a light and look for dark spots where it might have collected.
 

Terrorist 5.0

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Does the tick come and go depending on temperature? That is a telltale sign of a small exhaust leak. The crack closes when the manifold gets hot enough and stops leaking.
 
OP
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96gt4.6

96gt4.6

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I will try that

At first start up it’s quiet after almost a min of running it starts ticking but only at idle doesn’t change when warmed up
 

cobrajeff96

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If anything, just retorque the exhaust fasteners next time the engine is stone cold, doesn't hurt to try. Costs you nothing. Takes up little time.
 

SnakeBit!

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leaks can come from various places in the exhaust, I assume it sounds loudest under hood. If that is the case, there could be a crack in the manifold or manifolds, or from the gasket. also could be a crack where it goes into the downpipe. 6cyl mustangs were notorious for that. also check around your EGR.
 

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