I'm really getting nervous at this sound and I'm trying not to make my wife worry about it as well.

The engine already had a "tick tick" noise. I knew that was the rockers that needed to be adjusted. But NOW the engine is making a rattle that does get louder / increases in rattling when accelerator is depressed. The original "Tick tick" noise went in this pattern : "12341234" (Whisper it aloud, that was the speed of the tick. This new rattle goes "12341234" except about 10 times faster.

I'm really, really, really hoping it's not a lifter knock because I don't have the money to replace the engine so I'd have to end up selling the car...But I'm going to do everything it takes diagnostic-wise to make sure. The last car I had a similar rattle was my 1985 Jaguar XJ6 and it turned out to be the tappets letting go!

Help!

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<img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/sublimeskunk37/WeddingValiant2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Also it sounds like it's coming from the bottom of the engine. I used a stethoscope to listen to the top end and it sounded perfect besides the rocker noise. You can clearly hear the rattle when you're inside the car and you can clearly hear it when you're underneath the car... But a rattle from the bottom end? That blows my mind. Usually bottom end is LOUD.

P.S. It's not the timing chain, definitely checked up front and it's not that.

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<img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/sublimeskunk37/WeddingValiant2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Bet you've got a gradually worsening exhaust leak -- either at one of the gasket junctions or a crack in the manifold or a warped headpipe flange.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Really? It doesn't sound anything like an exhaust leak...
I'm going to record the sound of it tomorrow and post it on here once I wake up around the crack of noon lol..

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<img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/sublimeskunk37/WeddingValiant2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

I agree with Dan. Could be exhaust leak. Could also be the distick hitting the crank or a loose torque converter bolt scraping on the dust shield.

I highly doubt it is a lifter noise since your slant likely has solid lifters.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Also check to make sure your sparkplugs are tight. Even though you said it's sounds worse from below. Good Luck

You'd be amazed how closely an exhaust leak can imitate a hard-part rattle.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

one method i have found to test for exhaust manifold 'ticking' leaks : pour a little sea foam down the carb. exhaust manifold leaks will manifest themselves as a dark puff of smoke around the gasket

Lifters and leakey exhaust sound alot alike. Mistook beforw as well. Cheap easy fix even if it's not.

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A little rebellion now and then... is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. Thomas Jefferson

I agree, check for exhaust leak. This had me worried a few years ago, it sounded like a metallic tinkling. It steadily got worse over time.

Try using a 'hose' stethoscope (literally a length of 1/2" or there abouts rubber hose) in and around the manifolds. Unlike a proper stethoscope it makes listening to soft noises easier.

If you think you have a leak of some kind, as a last double check it might be worth lathering some fire-paste (holts or similar) over the leak. This is NOT a fix and NOT foolproof, but for me it made the ticking noise disappear, confirming once and for all that it was an exhaust leak.

Try it out before you worry yourself daft like I did (I hate "new" noises) - I agree with Dan how much an exhaust leak can sound like somthing considerably more mechanically unsympathetic.

Good luck and all the best,
60 Ply

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1960 Plymouth Belvedere 4 door sedan
Stock 60 225
Push button 3 speed Torqueflite
Right Hooker

That is so crazy!!! I'm used to the typical exhaust leak and rattle!!!

Well it's 52 degrees out, rainy and windy..Crazy for Las Vegas here...So I'll definitely keep you guys posted about what I find on my next day off which is Sunday.. Thanks for all your help guys!

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Had the same thing happen on a 318 once. A metal tick-tick-ticking sound coming from the bottom. Didn't sound at all like an exhaust leak and I thought maybe a flex plate bolt was loose and hitting something.

Well, sure enough, it turned out to be a tiny exhaust leak. Exhaust leaks, especially small ones, can make very unusual sounds, even like a metallic tapping. Sometimes you can feel them if you move your hand around the exhaust....but don't get burned!
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LovelyKira

Yeah it got nice out so I checked it out...Sure enough it's the damned exhaust right at the headpipe...Thank GOD!!

Thanks so much for the help guys I appreciate it!

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<img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/sublimeskunk37/WeddingValiant2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

FYI- I recommend going straight to a Remflex gasket. www.remflex.com

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

It's a relief ain't it! Glad you've got your problem nailed.

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1960 Plymouth Belvedere 4 door sedan
Stock 60 225
Push button 3 speed Torqueflite
Right Hooker