92 305 Ticking Noise

michaeld70 · April 13, 2010

Hi, just wondering a few things, my 305 5.0 liter TBI Sierra (300,000 km), started ticking about a month ago, mostly noticable once it hits 2nd and 3rd gear (auto). I hear it in the cab but if I stick my head out the window the wind noise covers it lol, so I really cant tell if its lifter or exhaust noise. It sounds like the timing is off, but it started about a month ago. Revving in the driveway doesnt make the noise, only when accelerating (under load). Does this engine need periodic valve adjustment? I assume that it doesnt have hydralic lifters. Is there a knock sensor? Is the timing controlled by the computer or is it adjustable? I just did an oil change after adding a quart of atf for about 200km with no difference in noise.

MaForrest · April 13, 2010

It could be a few things. Running a low octain fuel will make most engine ping and tick under load and load rpms, stuck lifter (but usually will make a sound weather under load or not), slightly bent push rod (but also usually makes noice while under load or not), loose transmission will make it clicking sound if It has started to come loose (found that out on a Charokee). Im not sure how many miles 300,000 km are but its a good chance that you may have to tighten a few valves. Good thing about those motors are that they are easy as hell to work on and wouldn't take very long to pop each valve cover off and check them. Doesn't sound like timing becase if it was it would do it wether or not the truck was in gear or just free reving.

Doug_Scott · April 13, 2010

Hi, just wondering a few things, my 305 5.0 liter TBI Sierra (300,000 km), started ticking about a month ago, mostly noticable once it hits 2nd and 3rd gear (auto). I hear it in the cab but if I stick my head out the window the wind noise covers it lol, so I really cant tell if its lifter or exhaust noise. It sounds like the timing is off, but it started about a month ago. Revving in the driveway doesnt make the noise, only when accelerating (under load). Does this engine need periodic valve adjustment? I assume that it doesnt have hydralic lifters. Is there a knock sensor? Is the timing controlled by the computer or is it adjustable? I just did an oil change after adding a quart of atf for about 200km with no difference in noise.

It does have hydraulic lifters, but the rocker arms are also adjustable.

michaeld70 · April 15, 2010

Thanks, I found out its one of the exhaust gaskets from manifold to pipe, it got a little noisier and I noticed soot and the cracked ring, the noise was just too small to pinpoint it lol. I adjusted the valves anyway then noticed the bad gasket the next day.

Oh, and 300,000 km = about 190,000 miles