OK so I just got done doing some LPP headers on the car. They fit great and look awesome. But now I am getting a weird noise and the car is not acting right.

Here is a list of stuff I replaced,

Clutch, PP, Flywheel, Headers, Y pipe, tranny mount, motor mount, and I did an oil change.

When I started up the car there was a loud ticking sound coming from under the hood. Thought it was an exhaust leak but after many heat cycles and tightening down the bolts the sound is still as loud as can be. I am using Percy's Seal-4-Good gaskets.

The noise is a very loud distinct ticking sound that can even be heard inside the car. It sounds like it is coming from the driverside but you can hear it faintly on the passenger too. I don't know if it is just resonating from the drivers side or what. I checked all the plugs and wires and they are all fine so I don't think its that.

Also, the car is running VERY rough and very rich, and there is almost a slight miss to it. And then the primaries on the driver side turned BLUE almost immediately after running for a few minutes, almost like the motor is running lean/hot on that side.

I am stumped and don't know where to go from here besides lighting the damn thing on fire.

Any ideas?

 

did you replace your O2 sensors while you were there?

If you press the clutch does it run smoother?

how's your pilot and throw out bearing?

 

Check the O2's - sounds like the ratio is way off- Maybe oils from the manufacturing of the headers fouled the sensors? Black smoke? Have you had it scanned yet?

 

Of course you need to first isolate the noise. I.e, is it coming from the valve cover, the header or what. Are you sure that your header flange (s) are straight. If they are not, then they are bound to leak so you might want to check the headers all around to see if there is any evidence of leakage.

It is most likely a valve train problem or a leaky header (since you did recently install them) especially if you are not getting any codes. If you determine it is a leaky header, you need to remove it and get the flanges straightened. Reinstall with fel pros and button it up.

Obviously, if your header is turning blue it is getting pretty warm as a result of a leak. The 02s would also show too much 02 and dump extra fuel to go with it. Food for thought. JMHO

 

No, I did not replace the 02 Sensors. I may go ahead and do that now since most of the guys are saying that is what it may be. When I push in the clutch it does not run smoother. The pilot and throw out are new.

It just started throwing codes last night. I work at Autozone part time so I can borrow a OBDII scanner and see what is wrong. But will a OBDII scanner work on a 96?


The header flanges are straight, I didnt take a straight edge to them or anything but when I put them on a took a quick look and feel and they seemed straight. At first right at start up it was obivious the headers were leaking because I could feel the exhaust coming out on my hand. After a few heat cycles and tightening down some loose bolts the leaks are gone but the tick is still there. Could a valvetrain problem just show up like that out of nowhere? It ran fine before I put the new headers on.

 

Yes: you have an OBD11 and yes, your AutoZone scanner will work and tell you what codes you are thowing and what the cause may be.

 

Are you sure whoever sent the header gaskets to you sent the right ones? Becuase when i bought my shories from Summit they sent me the wrong gaskets and my car leaked and tapped until i had them replaced.

 

I ordered them my self from Autozone and they are the D port gaskets that the LT1 takes.

 

Just scanned it and it is showing code PO154 which is a 02 not reading right or a bad o2. I can get new o2's tonight at work. Hopefully that will solve the roughness issue but I still have to find that damn ticking sound.