1998 Park Ave ticking when accelerating

[criii]

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.

[HotZ28]

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.

[criii]

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

[HotZ28]

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!

[1993svobird]

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

[auto trainy]

Also look for a loose spark plug.

[1993svobird]

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.

[criii]

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.

[1993svobird]

good call.

[criii]

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

[1993svobird]

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.