So I started noticing this ticking noise when I accelerate.

The more I push on the gas pedal and the higher the rpms go, the quicker the ticking gets.

It comes and goes. It seems like when I first start the car in the cold and drive it, its the loudest, and then it eventually goes away. (I could be wrong though, thats just the way it happened tonight)

I at first thought it was a loose bolt on my e-cutout so I took that off.

But the noise then returned.

I also dont think its the lifters or anything, because if I just sit in nuetral and gradually rev the engine to about 4 grand, there is no ticking.

Its pretty much only when in gear and the engine is under load.

I also popped the hood and reved, and me and my dad both listened for any obvious ticking, but there was none.

Its kinda weird

Any suggestions?

 

that's pretty much the textbook definition of detonation.

exhaust leak sounds likely also.

 

I've had the same exact problem on my 96 3.8 for over a year and thought the same thing... I'd checked everything from the throwout bearing, lifters, etc. Two weeks ago I was cleaning the car up to set out for sale and I decided to scope the motor. Turns out it was a plugwire that the insulation was worn off of and it was just out of site and that's why we never saw it. New wires and plugs, problem solved.

 

Thanks so far guys

It doesn't really seem like the engine is detonating, its not really that loud, its just a tick, and not really a ping, but then again i've never heard a detonating engine before

I'll go around and check everything

Whats the cure for a detonating engine

 

I would really suspect an engine miss like said above. My wife's car has an off and on ticking / tapping sound that follows the rpm and I am positive I need to change the plug wires. Since the car is a V6 it is easier to tell because of the diminished power but my guess for you is still with a plug or a plug wire.

 

A bad exhaust manifold gasket will do exactly like you are describing. As the motor heats up, the manifold expands and the leak stops.

I had that happen on my Z a couple years ago, before I had headers on it. A new gasket solved the problem.

I'd recommend getting a wrench on the manifold bolts and checking to see if they are loose. If they are, it is most likely a bad gasket. One of mine was not even finger tight.

 

Ditto what TraceZ said..
Also, if you have stock manifolds check drivers side rear manifold bolt.. [they tend to shear off on these cars..]

 

yep. this happened to mine.

 

Jeeze I went and just took a glance at the exhaust manifold bolts, and didnt realize how much of a bitch its gonna be to get to them

Anyone know of a nice diagram that gives me a general idea of where they all are.

And should i just take a ratchet and tighten them?

 

to try and rule out pre det run some high octane fuel for a tank if the "ticking" goes away or reduces it is pre det

I also vote for checking plug wires, exhaust manifold bolts/cracked, does it miss, does it run good,

 

I think it runs good

I'm comin from a 4 cylinder Jeep on 33s, so even if it was running bad I'd still think the performance was awesome.

Theres no obvious signs of it running bad

 

Just had the same problem with my nephews car and it was the passenger exhaust gasket. It was the exact same symptoms.