ignition problem???

[supersmurf666]

have a ticking noise on number 7 cylinder.Pulled plug wire of at plug noise goes away.pulled plug wire off at cap noise goes away.put new plug wire on noise still there.Put new MSD Cap and rotor on noise still there.took plug wire off again noise gone.Took number 1 plug wire off noise still there.changed plug noise still there.Made sure I have no exhaust leaks either before I started with the ignition.

[Tod74]

Is it just a light ticking? I know when a rod is making racket you can often pull the plug wire and quiet it down some because the load is gone on that cylinder. SORRY CAN'T HELP YOU ON THE IGNITION

[supersmurf666]

yes it is just a light ticking.like a small exhaust leak.I didnt even think it could be rod related.Thanks.

[supersmurf666]

can a rod knock really sound like a ticking noise...hope its not,its a fresh motor.

[supersmurf666]

Might be starting on that new motor sooner than i thought.

[Tod74]

Might be starting on that new motor sooner than i thought.

Hold your horses I aint saying it's a rod....I was just saying when a rod is knocking it will quiet down some when you pull the wire off. A rod doesn't sound like a light ticking noise. Keep checking back for replies from people smarter than me.

[TheYellaBrick]

Year make model of engine please.

Headers or cast iron exhaust ?

[supersmurf666]

headers,its a 355 sbc,MSD HEI IGNITION.

[supersmurf666]

not sure on the year but it is an 010 block.

[TheYellaBrick]

With the engine at an idle, take a breaker bar or chunk of solid steel rod, put one end against your ear and the other upon various locations around each cylinder, on the head, valve cover, and header. I've successfully used this method of isolating noises for years. It's a cheap but effective 'stethoscope'.

[Tod74]

With the engine at an idle, take a breaker bar or chunk of solid steel rod, put one end against your ear and the other upon various locations around each cylinder, on the head, valve cover, and header. I've successfully used this method of isolating noises for years. It's a cheap but effective 'stethoscope'.

good idea. BROOM HANDLE WOrks also

[TheYellaBrick]

I've used both wood and steel but find that steel gives a more refined 'sound transfer'. :shock: :D :D

[supersmurf666]

tried that today also.couldnt nail down where its coming from yet.gonna do it somemore tomorrow.cant hear it under the truck,can hear it in the wheel well cause it doesnt have any fenderwells in it,and can here it on top.Its for sure coming from the back on the drivers side.

[Tod74]

I've used both wood and steel but find that steel gives a more refined 'sound transfer'. :shock: :D :D

I have found that the hole in the pan and or block is an even better indicator of where the problem may be.

[supersmurf666]

ive also found buttom end parts out the exhaust is a pretty good indicator also.

[Tod74]

Have you tried turning the lights out while it was running to look see if there is a spark jumping around anywhere?

[supersmurf666]

no,i was messing with it in the sunshine today.I will try that though.I did take the number 7 plug wire off the cap and held the plug up by the cap and it got spark....then it jumped to the firwall,in my right hand and out my left hand.LOL!!!!!!

[TheYellaBrick]

Have you tried turning the lights out while it was running to look see if there is a spark jumping around anywhere?

I'm amazed at how many of the simple troubleshooting methods that I forget about !! :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:
Thanks for this reminder, Tod !

[zipper06]

I've had a loose spark plug do the same sound.

Zip.

[supersmurf666]

well turns out it is a SMALL exhaust leak on number 7 with the super no leak ever gaskets....sure they are!!!Burnt my finger but if you aint burnin you aint learnin............Thanks everybody!!!