Ticking noise - think it's the fuel pump - thoughts?

[68 Sport Satellite]

Absolutely sure it's not an exhaust leak...

I concur. First tighten down all the header or exhaust manifold bolts and collector bolts. I had a similar sound pop up on my car on a long drive and my fellow mopar friends and I thought it was a lifter. As it turned out, 2 header bolts had loosened a few turns. Tightened them back up and the sound was gone! When I got home I installed header bolt lock clips.

 

[MikeyM]

Guys, that just might be it, thanks. 68 SS, sorry I posted before I saw your post. I took the hose, as you suggested, and touched it to different areas along the exhaust manifold where it met the head. Sure enough i heard silence on all points but cyl 2; a swooshing noise and the tapping. I was looking to see if I could see any black soot marks but could not. Also, not sure if there's a gasket in there or not. Would you recommend loosening then tightening the bolts? Maybe pull the manifold out a bit to see if there is a gasket or maybe some soot marks?

Thanks again,
Mikey