Engine noise, ticking sound?

1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
187,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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Car idles and runs great, but there is a constant ticking sound that I isolated using a stethoscope. I can't understand it, but the sound is coming through the bracket that holds the EGR valve.
Jan 12, 2023 at 3:46 PM
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This could be an exhaust valve or lifter problem; I would do a compression test to see what you find. If one cylinder is low, you have found the problem and the cylinder head may need to be removed or a new lifter if the push rod is loose in that cylinder. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response.

Here are two guides that will help us:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Please let us know what happens.
Jan 13, 2023 at 10:54 AM