Classic Mustang Help
Author
Discussion

matted101

Original Poster:

2 posts

12 months

Sunday 12th October 2025
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Hi. 66 Mustang - potentially a sticking lifter causing ticking sound. Any advice appreciated.

Mr_Megalomaniac

1,284 posts

96 months

Monday 13th October 2025
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Hi mate, could be a number of things. I would suggest the MOCGB forum might have more specialised info to help you on that.

stang65

583 posts

167 months

Monday 13th October 2025
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matted101 said:
Hi. 66 Mustang - potentially a sticking lifter causing ticking sound. Any advice appreciated.
A set of lifters isn't expensive so you could just replace. However, the most common "ticking" sound is an exhaust manifold/header blow. You need to narrow down the source of the noise if you don't want to just throw parts at it. If it's running OK does it matter? Have you changed the oil recently as either old oil or incorrect oil could affect the lifters?

aeropilot

40,700 posts

257 months

Monday 13th October 2025
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stang65 said:
matted101 said:
Hi. 66 Mustang - potentially a sticking lifter causing ticking sound. Any advice appreciated.
A set of lifters isn't expensive so you could just replace. However, the most common "ticking" sound is an exhaust manifold/header blow.
Correct.
Just had the same ticking issue on my sbc, and it was indeed the ram horn headers blowing slightly. The repro ram horns were supplied with chinesium washers, that were crushing and deforming into the holes in the manifold. Had to get some extra thick high strength washers machined up, which instantly cured the ticking.


some bloke

1,711 posts

97 months

Thursday 16th October 2025
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It could be a misadjusted rocker as well. Common wisdom is to replace cam and lifters, rather than one or the other.