I have recently started working on the small things on my 1982 truck and first noticed that the engine is a new style 22r block and head(shorter block and oval exhaust ports). This is why I am posting in this section. It is a carb motor with a webber. Previous owner stated that he changed the timing chain and sprockets along with metal guides. He also stated that he put a larger cam in it. When I purchased the truck, it had a very nasty loud ticking sound coming from the the engine. I pulled the valve cover only to discover that the cam sprocket was one tooth off of TDC. I changed it back to TDC and the timing is now much better and easier to set than before. I adjusted the valves to specs and it runs alot better now but still has a nasty ticking sound. The timing chain seems good and tight and the guides are intact. I have noticed that when cranking the truck when its really cold outside it does not make the sound then once it revs up for about 30 seconds the sound slowly starts and gets louder and louder. I cannot determine what the noise is. It is driving me crazy. Please help with any suggestions of what to check. Thanks in advance.

 

Possible exhaust leak? Manifold gasket, donut gaskets on downpipe, weld crack on pipe somewhere, cracked header/manifold?

Or just run it til it breaks. Then you'll know what it was.

 

I have changed the manifold gaskets. I cannot see any issues with the exhaust. I will double check. Is there a way locate a small leak on the exhaust in case something is not sealing up the way it should?