micfly83

So I have a ticking in my engine during acceleration

In another thread I was told that a likely cause is the exhaust manifold bolts coming loose.

I strolled out to my car to tighten all the bolts but then instantly had this look on my face

I have no idea how to get to them.

Can someone just gimme some info of how to get to them, how many bolts their are and anything else that would make the job easier.

I have no idea where to begin

Thanks

sbca96

I use a standard 3/8 drive ratchet, with either a regular socket, or a socket
on a short extention. Which you need depends on what bolts you are going
to try and tighten. Most likely its the drivers side rear two. They also tend
to break. With the engine cold, feel around and see if you can find all the
bolt heads, hopefully there are none "missing". I had the two rear break off
on the drivers side - what a fun job drilling out bolts in an aluminum head. I
got the second to last out, but the rear most didnt come out. I had to have
my exhaust manifold milled and drilled to use the OTHER threaded hole that is
closer to the exhaust port - with a header bolt. Its all about getting your
arms into the "right" spot. Hard to explain - trial and error - good luck!

Tom

shoebox

An inspection mirror and a knack for being able to operate in the blind will help.

2000GTP

I found it easier to access them all from the bottom of the car. There are six total on each manifold.

BassProCamaro97

Don't rule out the idea that your spark plugs may have come a bit loose. i just solved my engine bay "ticking noise" by checking my spark plugs and now may engine is mostly noise free. Well, minus the alt.

If it is however, an exhaust leak or loose bolts a inspection mirror, long handle ratchet, a hand full of swivels, extensions and some thing in a bottle over forty proof should get you there.

Have fun,

~Jim~

micfly83

Haha thanks guys

I actually just went and dived into it today.

It was actually pretty easy to get at them from the bottom of the car.

The back two on the drivers side were actually pretty loose too.

Still need to drive it though.

Thanks for your help

CamaroRacing12

thx for asking this, im doing headers in the spring..... i love being on the bottom dont u guys? haha thx for the help!

micfly83

So I moved on to the passengers side....

And the bolt in the rear was completely loose. And was backed off a little.

I tightened that one as best I could, but the next one towards the front seems almost impossible to get to and I'm sure its just as loose.

The dipstick is in the way, and I cant get at from the bottom do to the clutter and pipes. I can just barely get my middle finger on it from the top

Any ideas?

2000GTP

I remember just using a long 3/8 adjustable head ratchet with a 3" extension on the passenger side to get to most of the bolts.

micfly83

Did you get at it from the top or the bottom

2000GTP

Every single one was done from the bottom. That side isn't much fun.

micfly83

Jeeze I dont know how you did it.

I finally got it, but it was from the top

I did it by putting the socket on the bolt with my fingers; then sticking the ratchet down there and visually hooking it up. It worked pretty good.

Now its time for a test drive My car is going to regret giving me all these scrapes.

2000GTP

I went about it in a similar way, I would fit the socket over the bolt head first, and then figure out what ratchet/extension/swivel combo I would need.