Ticking/clicking noise Mercruiser alpha one 2002

Joined
Sep 5, 2023
Messages
10
This noise showed up last weekend and at first I thought it was the belt as it sounds like it’s coming from that area or the starboard side. See video attached.

What is it? Am I screwed?
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
12,668
Sounds like an exhaust leak or a blown head gasket. Check the motor oil for water mixing in, if none, that's good, it could be a blown gasket between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head.
 

Scott06

Admiral
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Apr 20, 2014
Messages
6,440
Its compression related willing to bet manifold to head, could be loose plug. Wouldn't think you are screwed but need to get in around manifold and head and see where it is coming from. Also wouldn't hurt to do compression check to rule out head gasket.

Did it over heat ?
 
Joined
Sep 5, 2023
Messages
10
Its compression related willing to bet manifold to head, could be loose plug. Wouldn't think you are screwed but need to get in around manifold and head and see where it is coming from. Also wouldn't hurt to do compression check to rule out head gasket.

Did it over heat ?
Its compression related willing to bet manifold to head, could be loose plug. Wouldn't think you are screwed but need to get in around manifold and head and see where it is coming from. Also wouldn't hurt to do compression check to rule out head gasket.

Did it over heat ?
It didn’t overheat and I pulled the plugs and they all look the same. No water in the oil (as far as I can tell from the dipstick). I’m going to do a compression check to rule out the head gasket. I may end up changing plugs while I have them out anyways.
 

QBhoy

Fleet Admiral
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Mar 10, 2016
Messages
8,342
Exhaust leak odds on…if it’s not a spark plug losing its seal.
 

jtsvette

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2019
Messages
19
So I took the manifold off.

Looks like the head gasket. Can anyone confirm?
Time to do a compression test on all 4 cylinders. Each one should be around 150psi. You can get compression testers at Harbor Freight for a good price.
 
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