Anyone ever herd of riding with earplugs to tell if engine ticking near top of engine is loose valves or exhaust leak? If so, is it a good diagnostic technic to use?

 

Using a piece of hose as a stethoscope to pinpoint noises is effective.

 

ok, when i do this what are the different sounds? how will i know which is which?

i rode to work today about thirty minutes with earplugs in, and wow, all the wind noise is gone. all i could here really well is the cam chain doing its job, and it sounds right btw. i could not here the slightest ticking noise at all. i mean none. then i take earplugs out and i could hear the tapping from top of engine again.it happens on accel, decel, higher rpm, lower rpm and normal cruising. only thing that effects it is the engine temp. when it gets about 210 or above on temp then the ticking goes away completely and it feels like it runs stronger too, just a little.

would a small exhaust leak cause slight engine power loss? could a small leak sound like metal internal parts ticking?

 

As you listen around the engine, the noise will get louder the closer you get to the source. the hose will block most of the surrounding noises out.

As far as what noises are what, you need to know what it is you're listening to. For example, if the noise is louder near the valve cover, it's probably a valve instead of a rod bearing....You should be able to seek out exhaust leaks to the spot it's leaking, or any other noises you hear.

 

ok, thanks

 

i tried the hose. are there any other tricks that i can try in addition to the hose? anyone?