Hello from Tampa

[Rocket Man]

Welcome from Oregon. And you wouldn’t be the first to be fooled into thinking an exhaust manifold leak is lifter tick. These engines typically go to 300-400,000 miles with decent maintenance. Look for broken exhaust manifold bolts.

 

[PocketszBeast]

I've tried subbing a quart of oil with the lucas oil additive, rislone engine treatment. Someone told me to put seafoam in, but I didn't try that one. My husband didn't some checking and tinkering around, not sure what exactly. I'm still learning as I go with him on this truck, didn't even think of the bolts, but when we do take it out my husband is planning on going over it and fixing any issues to either resell it or use it in one of his Jeeps. I'm not sure who owned it previously kept up with maintenance very well. It was traded into a buddy of my husband's car lot.
I chose to go with a Chevy cause I was raised strictly Chevy and I needed the something with the room with two boys in Tae Kwon Do.

Thank you Miami-Dade He is in really good condition, there are a few dents and dings in the body, but that is on a to do list to get it cleaned up and painted.

 

[iamdub]

If you do have broken manifold bolt(s), you can use special clamps to fix it since getting the remaining shank out of the head isn't always so easy. Yes, it's that common of a problem that proprietary devices have been made for it. Just bolt 'em on and keep going for another 150,000 miles.

https://www.amazon.com/DORMAN-917-107-Exhaust-Manifold-Clamp/dp/B00GHT9L4O

 

[OR VietVet]

If you ever get a chance to hear a lifter tick and the exhaust leak from the broken manifold bolts, they are very close in range but have that subtle difference. Over the years I heard many of these and the lifter tick is a metal on metal tick that to me is a different sound than an exhaust leak. Plus, you can see the exhaust bolt that is broken. May need a flashlight and mirror but you can see it.

 

[alex s]

Welcome! I'm near Tampa too.