Whatsup.

98 hx, almost 200k miles.

I installed a new exhaust manifold about 15k miles ago. It sounds like it has cracked already. When I start up the car cold and drive it, the motor "ticks" like it has a mild exhaust leak. It varies with the amount of load on the engine. You almost cant hear it when its at idle. Once the motor is really good and warm, then you cant hear it so much.

So I took off the heat shield and poked around and it still looks solid, no visible cracks from what I can see.

I wondered if this could be because I am using too thin of an oil? I am still using 5-30 and have been planning to move up anyways. What weight do you recommend? I have heard 10-40 and one dude even said go to 20-50. Could this be the issue?

Thanks

 

Valve clearance adjustment?

 

interesting idea. But if the motor needed a valve adjustment you would hear it all the time.. hot or cold, loaded or unloaded..... right?

 

I think the ticking intensity would increase with load. I wouldn't expect the ticking to be constant under different conditions, if that is what you are saying.

Use an engine stethoscope to pinpoint the source of the noise.

 

for the oil...i think 10w40 would be fine