Spark Noise from engine?

[HanibalTheCannibal]

Hello, I have the 2001 5.3 SIlverado 2wd. I have 48500K miles.

I have had the dealer flush/service the transmission, had a B&K complete fuel treatment done, new spark plugs, and a new fuel filter done in the last 6 months. I have a spark noise coming from under my truck. It is not the infamous piston slap problem (I have that ticking sound in the morning). This is more like a spark sound. ANyone ever experience this?

Do I need to change the wires? Cap, coil? The truck has a slight (very very slight) miss at idle. I am used to spark plug wires lasting for years. DO they go out sooner now because of higher voltages in these newer trucks or something? I have only previously driven 70's and 80's model cars and trucks.

Any ideas? How do you know when you have bad wires?

[redwheeler]

pop the hood w/the engine running at night and look for flashes

[HanibalTheCannibal]

We used to do that on older trucks, but dont you wet the engine first or something? I will give it a try, but I have a hood light under there, guess I will pull the bulb. BUt I also have automatic headlights, I doubt I will see anything.
hmmm......

[Tdragone]

Hit thew dome override button 4 times to override your automatic headlights. I believe this works up to '03 silvy's.

I have an 02 and it works..

[abaird]

put on the e brake to turn off the lights

[silverado122775]

I get a ticking sound after it rains or is damp outside.. very anoying. I do not loose HP and the truck idles fine. I hear the sound on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the intake manifold.. it is very loud when you are outside, but do not hear it much in the cab unless you are trying to listen for it.
Any ideas?

[carelessthunder]

Just guessing not knowing what it exactly sounds like do you think it is a possibility that there could be a small exhaust leak?

[silverado122775]

Originally Posted by carelessthunder

Just guessing not knowing what it exactly sounds like do you think it is a possibility that there could be a small exhaust leak?

if the question was to me, then I would say "no". If it was an exhaust leak I would hear it all the time.. second I doubt it would make a sharp ticking sound. this sounds more electrical.

[carelessthunder]

Ok well I figured it would be pretty easy to figure out if it was anything about ignition. How about injectors or valves?

[silverado122775]

it could be, but the sound seems to be outside the engine though.