302 Ticking

[BIGJMCCONNELL]

I have an older carburated 302 in my Jeep and about a yr ago I started getting a ticking sound mostly noticable at idle. Now it seems to be slowly getting worse. Another Jeep guy told me he thought it was my lifters sticking and that I should add a quart of auto tranny fluid, drive it a few days then change the oil. He claimed that it would clear the varnish that deposits that could cause the lifters to tick.

Any truth to this? I am a major newb when it comes to engine diagnosis.

Thanks,
--John

[rdnkjeeper]

I have heard that too. Did try it once, but didn't leave it there that long. I only did something like 5 miles. I didn't notice any difference before or after.

[EARLY BRONCO KILLER]

Hello,
It most likely is a lifter but I have had the press in syle rocker studs pull out on me before and cause the same thing. The older motors used this style stud. Good luck

[KiGrind]

This might relate, I had the same issue with my amc 304, was pretty pissed since I just dropped it in. It would have a pretty good sized ticking at a constant rate usually only after it warmed up and idled. Ended up finding the passenger side manifold bolts a little lose. They where not backed out enough to tell, but they where lose enough for a couple of turns. I torqued them down to specs and it solved the issue.


Might want to look into replacing the gaskets or just tighting them down before you tear the top of the motor apart.



I've also heard running higher Octain (Spelling) gas, like a couple gallons, would help clear it up. Dunno.

[BIGJMCCONNELL]

Thanks for the tips. I am really hesitant to tear it all apart if I don't need to. I will check the exhaust gaskets. Always good to do the cheap easy stuff first.

I tried the high octane gas but it didn't seem to matter.

Killer, Thanks for the tip on the rocker studs.

What is the downside of letting this go (if it is a lifter?) if the entire engine is at risk I will make it a priority to fix it.

[f250rollinon37s]

- as for your first Question - yes ATF can free up a lifter - but i wouldnt run it for very long - get some SEAFOAM - napa sells it - same idea as the ATF but safe to run, all day long - it will help to clean out the engine of shit to -
x2 on the studs pulling out - higher oct. fuel will only help if it is a detonation problem

[69 broncosport]

I agree, ATF is only about the equivelent to 7 1/2 weight oil. Not good for an older engine, Super high detergent and not much as far as lubricating properties go

[BIGJMCCONNELL]

Thanks. I'll stay away from the ATF.