Hi All,

I have a 98 Park Ave with 128k on the motor.
It seems to run fine but at times the acceleration is weak.

- When I start it in the morning it starts great but it makes a slight noise and sounds a little loud (like exhaust?).
- It makes a ticking noise on the driver side while accelerating. Not terribly loud but it gets louder the more I accelerate. It also sounds like it's sucking air. Any help would be great.

You need to pull the valve covers and check the springs and rocker arms. Very seldom do you have a problem with roller cams or rockers on the 3.8, so the "ticking" noise seems to indicate other valve train problems. This sounds more than an exhaust leak, but I would also check that.

Sorry for sounding ignorant but what exactly would I check? Could this also be the cause for the lack of power?

I would first look for any loose play in the rocker arms, if you detect any, check the springs very carefully. If you have a broken spring or bent pushrod you will find free play in the rocker. You need to turn the engine over and check each one while it is in the up-most position, where the valve would be closed. If you are not familiar with how to do this procedure, it might be best to take it to a trusted shop. You could also do a compression check or leak-down check to determine if you have a leaking valves or cylinders. Also, be sure to check all vacuum hoses!

its an exhaust leak,take it to a good muffler shop.

Also look for a loose spark plug.

i apologize for not being more specific earlier,you said it has a ticking in it on startup,this could be due to a lifter leaking down at night.if it goes away shortly i wouldnt worry to much about it,keep the oil changed.the lack of power you mentioned may be a stopped up converter, along with a sucking noise could actually be a leak in exhaust b/4 the converter ,check to see if you have a lot of exhaust pressure,the plugged up conveter WILL CAUSE YOUR ENGINE TO GET HOT.another thing is to check your hoses(air intake hose) and vaccume lines.hope this helps.

Thanks for all the help everyone. The car doesn't get abnormally hot but it does go to about half way and sometimes a bit passed after running it for a while. I'm going to take it to the service shop at Chevrolet. I have a friend that works there who can diagnose it for me. I'll let everyone know what the outcome is. Again thanks to everyone.

good call.

Hey everyone,

I just got the car back from the shop...

1. There was a sticky lifter... they did an induction and let it sit overnight to clear out carbon deposits and what not. It helped performance wise but there is still a slight ticking. Only when I accelerate and more when the car is cold

2. They also said there is an exhaust leak at the exhaust manifold. I will need to get a new one. Does anyone think the exhaust leak could still be causing the ticking.

Thanks

the other ticking is probably what they said,exhaust leak. id say donut gasket b/4 exhaust manifold,needs replaced? check for missing or loose bolt first. and yes,an exhaust leak can sound like an annoying ticking. keep good oil in engine w/ over a 100k you want good oil in it. later.