mbrown

Hi All,
I just started to notice that my 84 is making a ticking noise, I notice it happens in the mid RPM range. low range no noise, upper high range NO noise.. Has anyone experince this or maybe know what is causing this and what I should do to fix it.

Thanks for all your help.

camaronewbie

Spark knock maybe? Maybe time for a set of plugs and a general tune up.

mbrown

Cool, what is spark knock? Any suggestion on the best way to get all sparks plugs... Top or bottom is what I was wondering?

camaronewbie

I always get 'em from the top - and I have headers - it's not too bad with a swivel and a few extensions - nothing on any car is "easy" LOL.

I'm not sure of the technical explaination for spark knock. Anytime I hear a ticking, I start with plugs.

Another possibility is rockers smacking push rods. Have you checked the oil? My rockers will let me know the instant the oil level gets 1/2 quart low.

Adjusting the rockers (assuming enough oil is in there) involves adjusting the rocker arms - a bit more difficult than plugs. Personally, I'm no good at rocker adjustment, I let my brother do it. You have to take the valve covers off,. and adjust them while motor running. The oil gets everywhere - you have to rig a shield to keep it in the heads rather than all over the motor (and you). Do a search on here for valve lash adjustment - there's lots of threads on the topic.

87TAairlineyard

Spark knock is another name for a condition known as preignition- basically your fuel is detonating prematurely and forcing your piston downards when it is trying to go upwards. Hence, the knock. You should have a knock sensor in the vehicle that detects this condition and will retard the timing to prevent it.

My friend recently had the problem with the rocker arms ticking, but his ticking was a constant sound that didn't change with engine rpm.

My guess is that its spark knock- it could also be some low octane fuel which can cause knock in high compression engines. Check the plugs and look for signs of preignition- the electrodes may be melted, or you might have a dirty insulator. To correct the problem, replace the plugs with the correct plugs for your engine (Bosch Platinums are my favs, not the +2s or +4s), have your timing checked, fuel mixture checked (a lean condition will also cause knock), check the oil level, and make sure the cooling system is working correctly. Preignition is nothing to mess with as it can cause some serious engine damage.

It could also be detonation which would manifest itself on your plugs as chipped or cracked insulators. If this is the problem, you need to replace the plugs taking special care to set the right gap and make sure you use the proper grade fuel for your engine- while a HO can run on 87 octane, 89 or 92 probably would solve the preiginition/detonation problem. Pictures of spark plugs with these conditions are in the back of the Haynes repair manual and in the Chilton's as well.

mbrown

Thanks a bunch guyz, Here is a run down of what I did this weekend, trying to slove this problem.

First I changed the plugs " Man it sucked" I put the bosch platiums in. Ran the car and still the ticking sound.

Second I change the oil and filter "Found I was a quart low and really dirty oil too" Once I change it I ran the car again and still getting the ticking sound.

Third I let the car run and ran it hard for a couple of miles, by the time I got home the noise was gone. I think it was the values.

I have'nt drove this car more than a block for the last year. Cause I've been working on body and paint.

check it out at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2245954

miami79

looks good, always nice to see a camaro come back to life

stitchop

I don't know what is causing the noise in the engine, but I did look at your domain site. Nice work, the car looks good.