Ticking noise driving me crazy... - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

sdmaro · 06-20-2017, 02:04 PM

So I recently installed BBK headers and a ported intake manifold. During that install I also swapped out the spark plugs. Originally I had a loud ticking at idle and on acceleration.

Turns out there was a loose bolt on the drive bottom side. So after a couple weeks, I re-torqued the bolts down and the noise when away at idle.... but it is still there on acceleration. I used a stethoscope to hear any noises and nothing is coming from the headers anymore. Any other thing to diagnose? 2011 1LS auto. Could it be a bolt in the manifold, bad gasket, header flange, loose spark plug?

Noise is heard WOT or at cold start.

Video attached.

c_cook94 · 06-23-2017, 12:19 PM

It sounds like an exhaust leak. You said the noise went away at idle after you retorqued the header bolts. After running it those few weeks it could gotten a weak spot in the gasket.

Jazzzed · 06-23-2017, 07:42 PM

Yeah, I'm going to go with something exhaust related too. Mostly because of the sheer volume of the issue. A bolt bouncing around in the manifold would have to be getting crushed repeatedly to be that loud. Same with the spark plug. I would expect the engine to run poorly too if something was getting slammed like that.

Also, that second or two as you walk from the car door to the engine bay... that sounds like exhaust to me there.

sdmaro · 06-27-2017, 01:52 PM

Think I should replace the gasket? Engine doesn't seem to be affected..? I've read some say the VVT has a loud ticking.

06-27-2017, 01:52 PM	#4
sdmaro Drives: 2011 LS Camaro Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Miami Posts: 566	Think I should replace the gasket? Engine doesn't seem to be affected..? I've read some say the VVT has a loud ticking. __________________ Exhaust: Magnaflow catback/x-pipe, Injen SRI, BBK Headers w/ no cats Suspension: BC BR Coilovers Cosmetics: ZL1 front conversion, AAC plasma afterburners 2.0, GFX rear, Interior: AAC red footwells, ZL1 shifter boot/knob, suede center console

06-23-2017, 12:19 PM	#2
c_cook94 Drives: 2011 Rally Yellow 1LT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Vicksburg, MS Posts: 182 View My Garage	It sounds like an exhaust leak. You said the noise went away at idle after you retorqued the header bolts. After running it those few weeks it could gotten a weak spot in the gasket.

06-23-2017, 07:42 PM	#3
Jazzzed Drives: 2015 Camaro LT Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Fox Lake, IL Posts: 393	Yeah, I'm going to go with something exhaust related too. Mostly because of the sheer volume of the issue. A bolt bouncing around in the manifold would have to be getting crushed repeatedly to be that loud. Same with the spark plug. I would expect the engine to run poorly too if something was getting slammed like that. Also, that second or two as you walk from the car door to the engine bay... that sounds like exhaust to me there.