By the title of this thread, you can assume I'm at a loss. The tick only comes when the engine is warm and isn't very consistent. Never ticks when it's cold and sometimes doesn't tick at all. About a month ago I got a code for cylinder 5 misfire which led me to change a list of things and hoping it would fix the tick at the same time. I have changed spark plugs, HT leads, coil packs, lifters, push rods, rocker assemblies, camshaft, injectors, timing chain and gears, tensioner and other pulleys, serpentine belt, and all gaskets from the valley up. I have compression tested and all cylinders are good. No blow-by and doesn't overheat. The vehicle runs great but still ticks. I haven't checked oil pressure yet but planning that next.

The tick itself sounds like a bad lifter, but with everything I've changed it can't be. I feel like it runs to good to be a slipped sleeve or anything major as its been ticking for about 2 years.

Any idea's what it could be?

 

This may be coming from right field but have you checked your exhaust manifold gaskets to Y pipe connection? If they are leaking / bolts loose it will put off a tick/tapping. Granted it's usually on cold starts. Also, pending on the age of the gaskets they can wear out or may need to be doubled up. Several months ago I had to change my crank sensor. I disturbed that pipe connection enough that it would start to tick/leak AFTER it was warmed up. Complete opposite of showing it self on cold start. Something to consider.

 

I have considered this. I have been talking to someone local and they told me it’s very possible it’s something to do with the exhaust.

 

Sounds like a slipping liner. Rover lifters almost never tick as long as there is good oil pressure. Suggest you check the oil pressure, and then get a good method of reading the exact temperature the ticking starts at from a cold start. If it starts around 190 or later you might be able to live with it by running a colder temperature thermostat.

 

Glow Shift makes a sandwich adapter (3/4 unf -16) to run an oil pressure gauge. Cell phone and OBD2 bluetooth can monitor your temps using Torque or Fusion App if your not already.

 

I will look into getting that. Thank you

 

Its not a slipped liner - its not exhaust gaskets - its not lifters if you changed the cam too - it is a rocker arm - push rod - thank you

 

You guys may well be right, but I’d start with Windy Cities cheap suggestion of exhaust manifold leak. They can sound a lot like an engine tick.

 

Newish (5K miles) rocker arm tick drove me a bit crazy trying to figure it out. Finally used a stethoscope on the rocker shaft support columns (valve cover off) with engine on. Pinpointed to cylinder 6 or 8. Found the aluminum exhaust rocker arm for cylinder 6 bearing cup for the pushrod could spin and the crimp was faulty (one of three) that is supposed to hold the bearing cup still. Replaced it and no more tick. Several reports on this forum of new rocker arms being low quality.

Initial diag work included using a rubber tube held to the ear, that was loud at the right side cat, quiet at the left side cat (under the truck with engine running). Could not tell which side using ears only. So far all the other new rocker arms have been solid and quiet.

 

I had a similar issue, it was a slipped liner. Has been silent since. As extinct said, get a handle on the temp it starts at.