shock211

iTrader: (6)

Okay...so here goes.
I'm getting this weird ticking noise when the car is in drive or reverse and i'm giving it gas. the car also makes a chugging noise while idling.
What I'm going to do is: Use a carbon cleaner and flush the engine. I think that some of my problems are related to carbon build up on the lifters. I'll also be checking the timing and likely be setting it again. The last thing I'll be doing is an inspection to see if I have any busted exhaust studs.

Question:
How many exhaust studs are there including the rear and front manifolds?
Also, are they all visible from the engine bay and underneath the car?
Finally, would it be wise for me to attempt removing the studs myself? Or should I pay a mechanic to do it?

Your help is much appreciated.

broncoguy

This sounds alot like what I just went through. Car was idling rough, and exhaust sounded like you described- chug, chug. After troubleshooting for a while, turns out I had a bad injector causing one cylinder not to fire. Pretty easy to check them with a meter, then you'll know for sure. As for the studs, it is possible to do them yourself, and it is discussed here in several places. Not an easy job, though. I have at least 2 that are broken, both on the lower side of the front and back manifolds, both on the driver's side. They do make a ticking noise which may get quieter as the car warms up. Also check out the write-up on the 4dsc.com web site. Pretty much explains step by step one way to do it, and some of the pitfalls as well..

shock211

iTrader: (6)

to my knowledge the injectors are doing just fine.

broncoguy

OK, just a thought. Also, the rear studs are mostly all visible from under the car- may be the only way to get to them. The front ones are more accessible from what I have read. There are 2 studs per cylinder, so 12 total. There are also special washers that go with each stud, and of course, the nut.
Sounds like the worst part is trying to get the broken ones out.