Exhaust or Something Else?

[jeff88]

Today, I was on my way out and when I turned the car on, I heard a ticking sound. It wasn't terrible and I was only going a mile to a friend's house (who would be able to tell me what was going on). I couldn't even get out of my neighborhood before the ticking got insanely loud with shorter intervals. It was worse when I accelerated, but still bad at idle or coast. I pulled it into the 7-11 at the end of the street and a guy was nice enough to inform me it sounded like a bad exhaust. When I got home, I told my mechanic friend and he said it sounds like an exhaust issue as well. There's nothing wrong with the belt and I've heard issues with the VSV valve, but this in an insanely loud tick, not just an annoying one that you learn to live with.

My question for you guys is first if the exhaust seems to be the culprit and if it is, what is more likely the exact part that is problematic, the manifold itself (like a crack) or the gasket or something else? Also, how can I test which piece it is without having to 'change out the part and hope for the best'?

Is this the right gasket? Exhaust Manifold Gasket

I can't seem to find the correct manifold online. If I go to the auto store can I just ask for the manifold or is the driver side and passenger side different?

Thanks for the help!

 

[KidVermicious]

An exhaust leak that's that loud should be easy to find. Let the truck idle and go track it down. Let the sound itself get you close, then feel around with your hand to pinpoint it (don't burn yourself).

Once you've found it, guys can give you advice on how to fix it.

 

[jeff88]

Well I found the real culprit and it has nothing to do with the exhaust.

The driver side furthest back spark plug (#3 cylinder?) was all jacked up. The black "lead" that attaches to the spark plug (name of part?) had broken off the end of the plug, so the spark plug was getting no electrical signal and of course no spark. When I took out the plug, the "lead" had a piece still wrapped around the end of the plug and the plug itself had literally no gap. Both electrodes were slammed up against the node.

I changed the plugs about a week or two ago. This is the cylinder that is really hard to get to. Could I have done something wrong or is this just coincidence?

I can easily fix the spark plug, but what about that "lead"? Can I get one at the auto store and what do I call it? Does it matter which cylinder or are all three the same? I can see the little hose like wire wrapping around the engine block, do I need to replace that or can I just pop off the old "lead"?

Thanks for the help!

 

[jeff88]

I went to the store and got a new spark plug (matching the ones I just put in - NGK) and the coil on plug (the "lead" I was referencing before). Got home and the plug won't screw in properly. It's in enough to run, but if you get close enough, you'll hear a slight tick like a miss. I took it to my mechanic friend and he says the last guy to change the plugs didn't use anti-sieze, so when I took out the old plug, the threads got damaged. So he has to re-thread the cylinder where the plug goes and it's only a 50-50 chance it will work properly. If it doesn't I have to pull the head.

Moral of the story: For the love of God, USE ANTI-SIEZE!!!!!