Help Identifying Clicking Noise (with video)
 

Hey all, I'm trying to diagnose this clicking noise on my 2002. You can sort of hear it at idle hot/cold and it increases with throttle. Goes away if you let off the throttle.

I've owned an 02 with a slipped sleeve and it sounded different than this so I don't think its that. At first I thought it could be lifter tick but it sounds more like an exhaust leak or perhaps my cat is failing?

Any ideas?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g8b...w?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kfg...w?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ui_...w?usp=drivesdk

IMO that sounds like an exhaust leak at the Manifold to Y Pipe junction.

That's what I was thinking but didn't have my tools handy to check for loose bolts. I peeked around with a light and got under there but didn't see any obvious cracks or anything.

Are you getting a P0420? I think that is Driver's Side Cat Code. Try tightening up the bolts, but you may need a new gasket which is not a tough job at all.

I get an intermittent P0170 which pops up every now and then and I clear it.

That's a fuel trim code, and I am guessing this could be triggered due to the leak causing a bad reading at the O2 Sensors.

Makes sense. What's the best way to go about trying to find the leak? Should I pour some seafoam in and see if it leaks anywhere?

I think just spraying soapy water around the outside of the gasket could do it. See if it bubbles.

Exhaust leak - before you go tightening bolts hit them with penetrating oil, and if it is the Y connector to exhaust manifold pipe go easy if you snap one of those bolts you may have to pull the manifold to fix it.

Does the sound get quieter after your disco warms up, if so could be the exhaust manifold gasket, same applies take it easy if you tighten bolts.

Both jobs are pretty easy to do, if you need to replace a gasket just take you time and do not force any bolts, lots of penetrating oil for a few days before.

Hook up your shop vac or leaf blower to the tailpipe with the engine off and blow up the exhaust. Windex the connections and it will be easy to find a leak if you have one, you will likely hear it even before you hit it with the soap.