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

[MikeyM]

Hey all,

What I thought was a lifter tick seems to now be the fuel pump and/or the FP push rod. While the engine was running, I took my mechanic's stethoscope and listed to the valve cover, front to back, and then the exhaust manifold, front to back and heard normal engine noise - rather quiet, actually. I then recalled reading a couple posts where the FP push rod made a similar noise so I then touched the scope to the top of the FP and the noise was very prominent and louder than any other place I listed to. So I'm thinking this is the push rod. Anything I might be missing?

Thanks,
Mikey

 

[pnora]

Unbolt the pump and start it see if the noise is gone.

 

[PlymCrazy]

I had a fuel pump come apart, mimicking a lifter tick or exhaust leak.
It’s worth removing the pump to eliminate it being the culprit.
Replaced it with a Carter.
That was the solution for me.

 

[chrger1967]

Hey all,

What I thought was a lifter tick seems to now be the fuel pump and/or the FP push rod. While the engine was running, I took my mechanic's stethoscope and listed to the valve cover, front to back, and then the exhaust manifold, front to back and heard normal engine noise - rather quiet, actually. I then recalled reading a couple posts where the FP push rod made a similar noise so I then touched the scope to the top of the FP and the noise was very prominent and louder than any other place I listed to. So I'm thinking this is the push rod. Anything I might be missing?

Thanks,
Mikey

Is it a constant tick, or does in last for a few seconds and goes away and then keeps coming back?

 

[Kern Dog]

You didn't mention the engine you have.
If you have an LA series, there is no push rod. If it is a B/RB, the pushrod should measure 3.22 inches. Yeah, you can run the engine with the pump removed. the pushrod will just slide down and be clear of the lobe on the cam.

 

[MikeyM]

Sorry, it's a 383 / B.

If I run the engine without the pump for a min, will I have to address any oil coming out of the FP mounting area?

 

[Kern Dog]

It will not be opening up an oil gallery, it will just be drain and splash, basically gravity pressure....not a gusher.