THis may sound stupid but what does a KNOCK sound like? I have searched the posts and nothing seams clear to me. I am wondering if my engine is knocking or pinging or maybe it is just a ticking.

I have an 89 350 TPI. When the engine is cold, and gets louder when I accellerate. There is this kind of tick-tick-tick speeds up with RPM and at high RPM there is a sort of semi loud exhaust/muffle sound that paces right along with the tick. Also at night when it is really quite out, it sounds like the tick comes through the fire wall directly in front of the driver.

Thanks for ANY help with my confusion.

 

Sounds like you have an exhaust leak where the manifold bolts to the head. Try tightening all the bolts.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

A severe knock kind of sounds like a quick sputter and cannot be predicted (happens at any given second) you can also see the engine shake if you are watching. A mild knock is much harder to detect with the naked eye (A scan tool can display knock counts detected by the sensor)

The ticking you hear which raises and lowers with RPM could be many things, depending on where exactly you hear the sound coming from

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92 Camaro RS, LO3, 5-spd, T-tops

Performance:
K&N Open Air Filter, Edelbrock performer TBI intake, Fastchip Prom, Timing +4 degrees, Centerforce clutch, Xact 8mm wires, SLP 1 3/4" Headers (coated), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps, MacEwen white-face guages
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
NEXT UP: TBI mods, 3.42 gears w/Torsen posi

 

Thanks for that. I have headers too, don't know what kind. and the gaskets aren't all that easy to see at all.

Should I just plan on putting new exhaust gaskets on right now.

OH, can a bad gasket between on of the runners on the TPI give the same sounds or is that different.

Any one ever heard of that?

 

And oh by the way. Not too long ago, more than a week less than a month. My IROC decided to start the BLUISH PUFF at start up.

COuld these two things be related?

Thanks again

 

The bluish puff is related to bad valve seals. Not a big deal if it only does it at start up. Its actually very common to have leaky valve seals on older SBCs.
A vacuum leak at the runners could very well cause the ticking noise but it is more likely your exhaust gaskets. I have headers as well and I have to tighten them down onve a month to keep the leaks contained. For somereason SBCs have problems holding onto header bolts. Especially the passenger side bolt closest to the firewall. And on our cars that's a reeeeeeeaaaaaaalllllal fun one to get to.
Get a long piece of tube and stick one end in your ear and use the other end to probe where you think the noise is coming from. The "stethoscope" will help pinpoint the problem. Tighten down the header bolts if that truly is the problem. If that doesn't fix it you will have to replace the gaskets. Take it from someone who learned the hard way, go ahead and take the hit in the wallet for a good set of copper gaskets. The paper ones always ended up blowing out on me after about 6 months. Good luck.
bsa

 

If you have any low end problems,
Like a spun bearing you could feel it through the gas pedal. In some cases, depends on how bad the knock.

To find hidden noises in the engine bay. I second the above idea.
Just get a real long screwdriver and try to find a general area location of the noise. Place the screwdriver tip on the valve cover and then place the opposite end on your ear.
You'll hear everything that is going on in there.
Great way to find sticky valves.
Just place the screwdriver on each valve location and you can hear what is going on for each vavle.

Also,
I'm thinking your headers are the problem as well.
I just read a article about header gaskets and in that article they say to re-tighten the headers weekly for up to two weeks after a new install.
I may even be longer, I'm working on my memory and my memory ain't workin.