Loud tapping sound.

[Mneofreek]

I have this really loud tapping sound coming from my engine. It sounds like its coming from the alternator area but when I just replaced it and there was no effect on the sound so I know its not that. Another thought was that it could be the exhaust manifold. Is there away to absolutly confirm it so I am just not wasting my time replacing parts? BTW it doesnt get any quieter as it warms up...if anything louder.

 

[boominXplorer]

Probibly the exhaust manifold bolts backed out. Check the ones between the manifold and the cylender head

 

[section525]

If you go to a decent exhaust shop they'll have a listening device to test for exhaust leaks. V8 manifolds typically leak on the passenger side too. So it could very well be a leak. Otherwise, it sounds like it could be a rocker/valve/rod issue (which hopefully it isn't!).

 

[Mneofreek]

If you go to a decent exhaust shop they'll have a listening device to test for exhaust leaks. V8 manifolds typically leak on the passenger side too. So it could very well be a leak. Otherwise, it sounds like it could be a rocker/valve/rod issue (which hopefully it isn't!).

How much do you think it will run me for a shop to check for leaks?

Just for S&Gs I will probibly take my drive belt off tommorrow just to make sure it isn't the alternator or any of the pullies.

And if it is a rocker/valve/rod issue I am selling the X. End of this stuff.

 

[Mneofreek]

I have yet to check the pullies but it sure doesn't sound like its coming from the area of the exhaust manifold. When I got under the X while it was running the noise was so much louder.

Another thing is that the noise seems to be random. Sometimes it is very loud and other times it is pretty quiet. It can go from one extreme to another in a matter of a second. Temperature also doesn't seem affect the noise.

Can the idler pulley make this noise if its going out?