i just bought a 91 z28 and i was wondering if the y pipe is leaking from the manifold would it make like a snaping/tapping sound coming from the engine?

 

sounds like the lifters are chattering

 

Don't be so quick to assume that. A ticking or tapping noise could also denote an exhaust leak, most likely from the headers where they attach to the heads. Warm the car up and torque those mothers back down and see if that helps (wear gloves, lol). Also, you can check for cracks in the ypipe as well, couldnt hurt, but usually anything leaking after the headers will cause the exhaust to be extremely loud, not give a slight tick like that. One way you can tell is if it is cold out, start your car and inspect the exhaust for any breaks. You will see smoke pouring out so it's easily identifiable.

But thirdgenrallysport, it wouldnt be the lifters chattering, it would more likely be the rockers, and all you would have to do there is pull the valve covers off and tighten them down.

Good luck.

 

Yikes! Don't give out this kind of info to people that may not know HOW to adjust the rocker arms. What he is explaining here is that if you find a rocker arm tapping, all you need to do is turn the adjusting nut slowly JUST until it stops tapping. Anything more than that can cause excessive pre-load up to and including having the valve stuck open or ruining the lifter.

 

Sorry bout that, you are right. I was rushing on my way out class and I didn't really stop and think about it. Thanks for clearing that up for me though.

 

eh thats what i meant, it was late when i posted. *rockers* you can adjust them while the car is running, just put splash gaurds on them and really thats the best way to adjust them but you can do it by turning the motor by hand as well.

 

the car only makes the noise on the y pipe side and it does sound like it's coming from near the y-pipe

 

Do the checks I told you. In some cases, (like me if you have crappy gaskets) you wont be able to fully get the headers to seal, and that noise will always be there. But like I said, warm her up and bolt the headers down and see what happens. Check for the cracks in the ypipe too...be thorough here.

 

u might just need new valve cover gaskets. mine made a similar noise