Hi all, just installed a clearwater head due to the infamous head crack.Jeeps runs great, but it has a ticking noise coming from the head area near the exhaust. It increases as the rpm's rise. I'm thinking it's just the new head being noisy and maybe a small exhaust leak. Any ideas's ?

 

First thing I would check is for an exhaust leak. If that's not it, perhaps a bad valve. Did they recondition the old valves or are they new? If they are new, it wouldn't be the first new part I've seen be defective.

 

It's a complete new head

 

I assume it was a new gasket too then. Did it get gouged during install then? Could be coming from where the exhaust manifold bolts to the exhaust pipe, I would say do a through check for an exhaust leak. Where do you live? If it's cold enough outside, you should be able to start it and as it warms up in cold weather, you may get lucky and be able to see the hot exhaust hitting the cold air. that's why I love the -28 weather we recently had (NY), you could see every exhaust leak.

 

If you tightened all the bolts down without cranking the engine over so both valves on that cylinder were closed it is possible the bolts on a cylinder or two are loose.

 

Are you talking about the rocker bolts? Can you elaborate?

 

Sorry I am tired. Yes your rocker arm bolts

 

I'll check it out tomorrow, thanks