I tried the screwdriver method but I can't be sure about what I hear. Funny thing is that the sound is really only pronounced when the engine is warm. When cold it's barely audible. Perhaps the gaps loosen up a bit when the motor gets hot? (at least thats what I want to believe!) I would think an exhaust leak would present itself hot or cold. Thoughts? Nathan --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@...> wrote: > > One way to confirm a valve knock is to use a stethescope. Or a long > bar or screwdriver and you place the other end on your skull just in > front of your ear. If you hear a loud metallic knock it is probably a > loose valve. It can't hurt to check the valve clearances anyway but in > many cases what seems sure to be a loose valve is usually an exhaust > leak. The reasons you will want to fix it is it will generally get > louder, it may send smells and CO into the passenger compartment, and To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/