Injector sound vs. valve sound

[cattlerepairman]

Noticed what I believed to be tic-tic-tic sounds from valves, especially when cold and under load (e.g. accelerating). It sounds a bit like what you hear in an old pickup truck where the valve train is a little noisy and clatters when the engine bogs down.
So, set valve lash today.
Nothing way out of spec, a couple of tight-ish valves. Sound has not changed. I remembered that I had also swapped the single hole for double hole injectors and these were overhauled by a diesel shop and set to max opening pressure. I was thinking that what I am hearing could be the injectors, not the valves.
The truck doesn't miss a beat, fires as soon as you think of pressing the button, smokes little and has no driveability issues. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.....don't want to tear into something without good reason.
What do you think?

 

[davidb56]

is it always there, or goes away when warmed up?

 

[cattlerepairman]

Definitely less or unnoticeable when warm.

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[davidb56]

so does mine. It has been like this since Ive owned it for years. It quiets up quicker in the summer and I run 15-40 in it. I dont think it would be something wrong with the injector/s if it runs perfect like mine. Hell mine runs so good, I drove it for probably a year without a in tank pump. hahaha

 

[williamh]

I wouldn’t think you could here an injectior klicking , unless it was sticking or worn out enough to hear it slamming closed. That motor is so dam noisy anyway. You need better earplugs

 

[Floridianson]

You put your ear to the injectors yet? A good 3500 psi injector will talk to you when it pops. The single hole was if I remember popped at a lower figure of 2850 if it was in tune. Heard reference to a good running multi fuel sewing machine with all the ticks.

 

[Floridianson]

Definitely less or unnoticeable when warm.

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I found the longer I drove the Deuce the less I could hear anything. Say what?

 

[V8srfun]

If you have a stethoscope or a long screwdriver you should be able to isolate injector noise. Mine also is a little louder when cold but I always assumed it to be a rocker on the loose side. One day when I get new valve cover gaskets I plan to adjust the valve lash but it is low on the priority list at this time.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Check torque on all your exhaust manifold and turbo fasteners, and inspect the back of the turbo outlet elbow for pinholes. Inspect exhaust manifold for small cracks as well. Hopefully you find something there that is an easy fix.

 

[WillWagner]

Does it have old or newer style head gaskets? I do know that the old style, when failing, will sound like a loose valve. You'll know the gasket failed when oil starts slobbering down the side of the engine.

 

[V8srfun]

Does it have old or newer style head gaskets? I do know that the old style, when failing, will sound like a loose valve. You'll know the gasket failed when oil starts slobbering down the side of the engine.

Don’t they all slob oil down the side of the engine. Lol

 

[Mullaney]

Check torque on all your exhaust manifold and turbo fasteners, and inspect the back of the turbo outlet elbow for pinholes. Inspect exhaust manifold for small cracks as well. Hopefully you find something there that is an easy fix.

.
Something that works well - on a freshly cranked motor - is a spray bottle of Dawn dish detergent cut with water. Spray everything in and around the exhaust system. If it blows bubbles, you found the problem. After the cast iron gets hot the effectiveness of the spray "dries" up and stops working...