Ticking from under hood

[pixelflash]

I know that's a vague title so let me elaborate.

There's tick-TICK that comes from the engine area. It happens at idle, when I rev and whether the A/C is running or not. I thought it might be carb-related but there's no difference in engine idle. I also read about the lifter ticking but it's not a constant machine-gun ticking - just every 20 secs or so.

Any ideas or further questions? I'm just now starting how to take care of my car so most things are a learning experience at this point.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Do you have the SOHC 4.0 engine? If yes, could be the timing chain cassette of camshaft tensioners going bad.

 

[Christobal65]

Pop the hood and listen closer to it. If it sounds like a puffing type noise its probabally an exhaust leak. It wont really hurt anything but it should be taken care of as the air rushing past the gasket and block or manifolds will eventually wear a gap in the metal and then you will have a hard time getting it to seal properly.

 

[Brasilnut]

my 98 xlt with about 60,000 is giving that same tick. It is hard to figure cause sometimes it does it cold, sometimes hot and sometimes not at all. I've been told maybe timing chain but how can I know for sure? If so, what all do I have to replace, chains, tensioners, cassettes and what all gaskets will need replaced. For that matter what all should be replaced or serviced while I'm in there.
Thanks for any help you all might have.

 

[verbalist]

I had the same problem a few months back. Could be a leaky spark plug wire. You can pop the hood at night with the engine on and if you have a leak you might be able to see a spark along one of the wires

 

[96ExplorerXLT]

my 98 xlt with about 60,000 is giving that same tick. It is hard to figure cause sometimes it does it cold, sometimes hot and sometimes not at all. I've been told maybe timing chain but how can I know for sure? If so, what all do I have to replace, chains, tensioners, cassettes and what all gaskets will need replaced. For that matter what all should be replaced or serviced while I'm in there.
Thanks for any help you all might have.

my 96 with the 4.0 ohv with 135k on it does this too...weak... :thumbdwn: