ticking when cold - cam sensor??

[ez at nova]

I have a fairly loud (when you listen in front of the car with the hood up) ticking that comes from somewhere in the engine when I first start the car. It lasts about 15 seconds, then goes away completely. The idle is a BIT rough during this time, but it's not awful, I had just assumed because it's a modded 1987 car, it takes a few seconds to smooth out. Anyway, I'm guessing this noise may be the cam sensor?
Should I bother doing anything since the noise goes away fairly quickly, and the car really doesn't seem to be affected? I also see no knock at all when it is making this clicking noise.

Thanks

 

[machinegun]

If it is a ticking noise, I would check what kind of oil filter you are using. Some filters do not have very good anti drain back valves that can cause this same issue. I would then get a stethoscope and listen to where the noise is coming from. I would probably guess from the valve train probably from the lifters. This is common on some lifters that bleed down too quickly. Since this is a modified car, what lifters and cam are in it? This maybe the source of your problem. You can try this to see if it helps. First make sure you have a good oil filter, I personally use the Pure One. When you do buy one check the drain back valve by blowing in it. You look funny at the store doing this but well woth the looks if you know what I mean. Disconnect the orange wire at the battery. Crank the car 2 - 3 times for say 10 seconds or so each time. This should build oil pressure in your system. Connect the wire and start, see if it still makes the noise. This might help determine if it is a lifter and the oil drain back is not working up to par. Gives you a good place to start. Also get a buddy to start the car nad use stethoscope to listen. You can usually determine which lifter it is. Hope this helps.

 

[scottyb]

Exhaust leak?

 

[ez at nova]

Would an exhaust leak be that "ticky" and for such a short amount of time? I did just put on the power plate, so I had the TB and plenum off, but everything is really tight...

As far as my filter, it is that blue sparkly Purolator One kind (I think the best kind). The cam is a mild cam, I don't know the specs, and I don't know jack about the lifters...stock maybe?? That stuff was done to the car when I bought it.

I'll try that thing with cranking with the orange wire off for a few times (I do that after an oild change too) and then start it up and see if it does the noise.

 

[bishir]

Could be the lifters pumping up. Common on most cars. BTW, mine doesn't do this, but I'm wondering if it could be the fuel injectors ticking. Though it shouldn't be real loud.