Froodmine

My 89 TE has nearly 400K km, or 250K miles on it. It uses no oil beyond the usual timing cover and cam cover leaks. No blue smoke, no oil in the coolant. But I do hear a ticking sound when I accelerate. Very predictable. If I step on the gas, especially from a start I hear the ticking. When I back off the gas, it stops. My fear is piston slap, but I don't know. Could it be timing chain tensioners? It only happens under load.

Thanks for any help!

akbro93704

the ticking could be engine ping from using low octane gas(below 91 octane)....

Froodmine

Hmmm, maybe the previous owner was running sub-91 octane. I just got the car, and just filled it with top grade, so maybe the noise will go away as I drive more tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.

Open to more suggestions...

JoeR

From your description the tick indicates an exhaust leak near the manifold.

Froodmine

Thanks guys. JoeR, I think you've hit the nail. I know I have an exhaust leak for sure (by the sound), and the ticking does seem to come from the area of the manifold. Hope that's it, since I was afraid of something inside the block.
Thanks again.

BTW, how difficult is it to fix a leak like that? Yank the manifold and fix a gasket?

bamberger_1

If it is the exaust, then check the gaskets between the manifold and the head. Normally they burn and do this noise. To inspect them you need a mirror and a bright light, since they tend to burn at the lower part of the gaskets. It is a DIY job to change them, but will take some time to do. You need to open the joint between the manifold and the muffler. Then open the nuts at the manifold, and hopefully break none of the threaded studs. In most cases when you open the nuts the stud including the nut come out. WD40 will help a lot.

13benz

if it's not an exaust leak is a valve adjustment needed?

Froodmine

Bamberger, thanks so much for your kindly and detailed advice. 13benz, I do think it is the exhaust and not valves. The noise does not seem to be in the top end. That was my first thought too, until I leaned over the engine and listened closely. Then I was afraid it might be inside the block. I was relieved to learn it could be exhaust. I'll keep you posted.

bamberger_1

This car has hydraulic valve lifters and they cannot be adjusted. But they can be noisy too when worn out. But noramally this noise goes away when the engine is warned up. It is more annoying than dangerous for the engine life.

230TErry

I had a similar problem with mine and it was the manifold gasket. The studs were stuck firm so I smeared the gap with exhaust repair paste.....which worked!

Got it fixed properly though when I had the head gasket done ...... but as I suspected two studs broke which the mechanic had to replace, better him than me.

If this is not the problem you're timing may need adjusted to account for higher grade fuel ....... my '55 220a has a varriable switch on the dash to allow for advance/retard of timing to account for differing fuel and to eliminate the ticking you get with various grade fuels.

Froodmine

Thanks again, guys. Hmmm. Exhaust repair paste sounds tempting. Terry what is that beautiful picture on your posting? Belfast at night?

Also, have you ever removed the rear window motor? If so, how'd you get it through the glass?

The car goes in tomorrow for its safety prior to licencing, so I'll keep you posted on its condition.

230TErry

yeah it's Belfast at night taken from the top of the cavehill looking south.

I assume your talking about electric windows, I've not touched mine but I would guess the moter comes out through the door once the trim panel is removed, theres plenty of space.

Good luck with the test, mine is due in a coupla weeks

Froodmine

Hi guys. Been offline for a few days with computer probs. The car passed its safety. Now it just needs shocks all round and the suspension bushings replaced to make it feel normal. I'm amazed at the integrity of the engine and tranny--both as smooth and powerful as my first 300E which had less than half the wear and tear as this beast with its quarter-million miles.

Re. the rear window, I meant the back, on the tailgate. Anybody know how to get the wiper motor through the glass? Feels like I'm really forcing it when I try.