How can I tell an exhaust leak from a valve tic??

I can't seem to find my tic from my 440 motor with TTI headers. I've pulled the header and used a couple really hi dollar gaskets and have had the valve covers off several times. I can't seem to get rid of a tic. I wonder if the headers are leaking where the four pipes go into the collector. How can I find the ticking sound??

To find a header leak, Pull a plug wire off one at a time and run it.

most likly its a leak,as I have chased a "lifter tick" with all my headers

my brand new headmans leak where the 4 tubes meet at the collector right from the get go

I used the copper rtv on the header gaskets,and let cure over night,that has fixed most of them

the new headers have a ball/cone set up down below so no gasket there now,that was the one that would go every time it rained for me

and nothing is worse than brand new high dollor headers and gaskets that leak

take a 2-3 foot piece of water hose and use it to listen around the tubes and header flange

also pull your vc and use the wood handle of it to push against the rockers as it runs,this will let you know which one is ticking,it will quit ticking with you pushig against it

do you hear it in the car only?

can you hear it under the hood while running?

most time I can only hear it in the car,never out side the car and under the hood

good luck

A header leak will make noise only when your foot is on the gas. A valve tick will be RPM dependent and won't be affected by letting off on the gas.

This is easy. To find an exhaust leak, take a piece of hose, say, 3/8 fuel hose, and hold near your ear CAREFULLY. Search around and if it's an exhaust leak it will "blow in your ear"!!!!

The chunk of hose trick does work well.

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The chunk of hose trick does work well.

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If you want stereo use one in each ear!