I have a 87 ranger with a rebuilt 302, the man i bought it from said it had about 15k miles on it since the rebuild. My question is that it makes a ticking noise when at idle and during acceleration, it is quieter at idle and louder at acceleration. Could it be an exhaust leak, i had the hood up a few days ago while the engine was warm and could see a puff of exhaust coming out of the pipe right after the header. The headers also look to be homemade, it does not seem to affect performance but doesn't sound right. If anyone has any ideas what it might be can you let me know.

 

Is the noise RPM or MPH related?

 

It is RPM related

 

It very well could be. Ticking noises are quite common on 5.0s Especially when you have headers.

Once way to rule out the motor... switch to a straight 30w oil. If it goes away or changes tone as the motor/oil warms up then you'll know its the engine. If the noise is the same.. then it's most likely the exhuast or possible something in the FEAD. (front end acessory drive)

Rich

 

Mine is a 302 with a carb not EFI, i recently took it to a mechanic and he checked out the whole truck and fixed the minor things but said everything else was in good condition. With 15000 miles i would think it wouldn't be the engine, and i will see about trying the oil thing.