tick, tick tick, from my pick-up

[t359]

Have developed a ticking sound on my 1980 GMC Sierra Grande 15 pick-up. 305, v8, 143K miles. Reliable truck and I believe this could be an easy fix. Stethescope reveals the sound is a bit louder when probing the right(passenger side) engine bank. Any ideas what I may expect when I have the chance to pull of the valve cover? Lifter, valve, rocker, push rod, spring, etc.? Appreciate any input from those who've had similar problems or have done this job. Will be the first time valve cover was ever removed. Thanks!

[t359]

I should add that the ticking can be heard when the truck is in gear.

[SpitAndDirt]

Could be as simple as having to tighten down the lifters after so many miles. You can adjust the lifters two different ways, one with the engine running, the other without. I prefer the one without the engine running for well taken care of motors. If you adjust the lifters while the engine is running, you need to pick up a set of rocker squirt stoppers. They come 16 to a small clear plastic case, and they are available through most parts stores. I would highly recommend getting a manual as I can not remember the order in which to adjust the rockers with the engine not running. In the case you may have problems, check both ends of each push rod for roundness. make sure that the rockers and pivots are also in good shape. If you have a lot of crap built up in the valve cover, it's probably safe to say that you have that stuff throughout the motor. Try using a engine cleaner(I like K+W Block Cleaner) or try substituting a quart of Dexron III for one quart of oil for 3000 miles. Both treatments will loosen up stubborn deposits in the motor and possibly unclog oil passageways. Your ticking should be limited to rockers that need adjusting, worn out parts, or in the worst case scenario: you could have a cam lobe going flat. Try the treatments first, then the adjustment. Hope this helps -Chris

[SpitAndDirt]

correction.....to my first two sentences.....I mean adjust valve lash by adjusting the rocker nuts.

[t359]

Thanks for the input. Will tackle when a good stretch of weather comes along.

[Galaxi-99]

Well, I would pull out the 2,0 by 3ft torquy renchy thingy and put it to the valeves untill they stopped maken all that dern noice.

Then i would give the oil pan a couple good taps with a hammer ,,oh yea a hammer.

Just to let them know that if they pull the same stuff up in the top end they were going to have big problems in the bottom end.

[richtazz]

more than likely, your problem is a rounded cam lobe on the #5 cylinder exhaust. this was a very common problem on 80's vintage 305's

[t359]

Thanks for the additional info!