Ticking noise

[BigBadDodge]

I started noticing a ticking noise while standing to the side of the truck either side coming from underneath not real noticable from under the hood got under the truck and I swear it sounds like the fuel line. It's pretty noticable



What do you all think ? maybe the overflow valve ? or do I need to a valve lash ?



Oh yeah, I have 76K for miles



Thanks in advance,



Scott

 

[drawson]

My vote is for the overflow valve... .

 

[Cooker]

It could possibly be a bad lift pump. Sometimes these will tick before they give up on you.



-Ryan

 

[dieselburner]

I had this last year right after I installed the 370's. It turns out that there was one injector that was barely weeping, and I mean barely, and it was causing an audible knock. Check for any discoloration around the injectors and fittings.

Steve

 

[BigBadDodge]

Thanks

Thanks for the help guy's



Cooker no ofense but I hope you are wrong, I love my 215 pump.



Just start I ordered the overflow valve from Piers today I guess this is the cheapest place to start as well.



Thanks again

 

[Piersol]

My 1996 has done that since 10,000 miles. One dealer said it was normal, the other said it was the fuel pump. Replaced the pump and the noise was still there. Replaced the overflow valve at 80,000 miles; Guess what? the noise is still there.

 

[Cooker]

BigBadDodge,



Sorry, I didn't mean to cause you too much concern. The lift pump is separate from the injection pump. It is the part that the primer is attached to, and it's also not too expensive. Under $200 for the part, but and afternoon of cussing to change it out.



-Ryan

 

[BigBadDodge]

relief

whew,



Yeah you scared me, thanks for setting me straight though.



That's not to bad of a price I guess compared to the INJECTION PUMP :G



Thanks again,



Scott

 

[TFabian]

I agree with Jpiersol. MY 96 has had a ticking noise since about 10K miles. The lift pump was replaced about 30K ago for leaking, noise still there. It has about 85K on it now and the noise hasn't gotten any worse, but still there. It also changes pitch and goes away as the RPMs are increased.



Tom

 

[BigBadDodge]

Thanks for the info Tom,



Haven't recieved the overflow valve yet will have to wait till next week. I guess I should get the fuel pressure gauge hooked up next week as well. What is the normal or good fuel pressure you guys are seeing ? I guess this will let me know or at least monitor the condition of the lift pump.



The valve lash is free, so I will do that after installing the overflow valve.



Is there a procedure for checking the injectors to see if they are operating properly ?

 

[illflem]

18-20 psi at idle is good 22-28 at high throttle. I have run across many injection pumps that tick at idle, sometimes it comes and goes, no big deal. If you could isolate the rest of the engine noise from the IP you would find it to be very noisy.



To check injectors, with engine running crack the injection line nut open at each injector one at a time and listen for a change in idle. Sort of like removing spark plug wires one at a time. If one doesn't make difference that injector could be bad. It also could be a sticking IP or kinked/clogged line. #ad
Wrap a rag around the injector nut after you put the wrench on. 17,000 psi diesel can be injected right though your skin into your blood stream and will kill you in less than a hour. A rag also keeps diesel from spraying all over the place.

 

[NETim]

17Kpsi diesel

Glad you mentioned that note of caution illflem. Alarm bells went off when I read your suggestion about loosening fuel lines while the Cummins was a runnin'. It's a good way to locate a sick injector as you mentioned, but a guy has to be ever so cautious around that kind of pressure!



Tim

 

[BigBadDodge]

Sounds scary

Maybe I will try that after everything else. About how many turns on the injector bolts would that be, are you basically just cracking them open ?



Thanks again

 

[illflem]

It's really nothing to be afraid of, just be aware of. Sort of like not checking to see if the power is on in your house by touching a bare wire. A quarter to half turn is usually plenty. It's really something you should know how to do anyways, it may be necessary if you ever run out of fuel.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I noticed this ticking noise too. I thought is was an exhaust leak. Its coming from the return fuel line. Put your hand on it. You can feel the pulsation and vibration. Its all secured against the frame. Not loose anywhere. I Have a new Piers overflow valve (24 psi idle). Popped in an old oveflow valve (18 psi idle), no change.



If the return line emptys at the bottom of the tank, then maybe we'll notice more of a noise with a full tank of fuel because of the added resistence? Put your ear up against the fuel tank. A lot of the noise seems to be inside.



My tank is almost full and I have the noise.



It tends to be louder when the engine is cold.

 

[pcorssmit]

Originally posted by illflem

Sort of like not checking to see if the power is on in your house by touching a bare wire.

Don't keep us in the dark, Bill. What's your secret method?



Pete

 

[illflem]

Stick your tongue in an lamp socket. This also works good to make sure a light bulb is really dead.

 

[BigBadDodge]

Yep

Bill,



It is coming from the return line that's for sure, but how do we fix it. maybe it's nothing to worry about I don't know, its just anoying as hell.



my overflow valve from piers should be here next week but after this post I am beging to think that it aint going to halp at all. I wasn't aware that the piers valve was more PSI, thanks.



Wounder would hapen if the return line was biger ?

 

[JohnE]

My Cummins <em>ticks</em> at me in a couple of places:

<li>The serpentine ticks when the grid heaters kick on. I got a bit of WD40 overspray on the belt when pulling the fan.

<li>The power steering pump has an annoying tick when cold. I'll try the Valvoline semi-synthetic fluid it I can ever find someone loal that stoks the stuff.



You can check for a live circuit by dancing your finger in a lightbulb socket. If your skin is dry, lick it first.



-John

 

[pcorssmit]

My grandfather is an electrician. Only person I've ever seen who routenely licks his finger before sticking it in a light socket. (I don't mind a little finger-voltmeter action every now and then, but have never felt the need to lick my finger first!)



Pete