There is a slight tapping sounds which changes with engine speed coming from the front end of my pinto. Things to check tomorrow?

Timing - could it be pinking?
Alternator on the way out?
Could it be any cam related stuff? engine still running ok (other than the oil warning light coming on when started up today - pressure gauge looked fine though and on restart no light on)
water pump?

Do seem to have a very slow water leak somwhere (noticed bolt at front end was wet today) don't think this could be related?

Any pointers would be great! Thanks everyone

Rupert

centrifugal weights in the dizzy?

Doing an oil change should help identify if it's critical - lots of metal bits in sump = not good.

Tapping from Pinto often due to cam wear, after a while it turns into a rattle. The engine will run like this for a very long time before it dies but performance deteriorates as the cam wears.

Caber

Dizzy drive tapps some times

thanks again

will check cam today. The cam has no weights as is one from an injection model - we are running an emerald.

What does pinking sound like? i don't think i have ever heard it. difficult to know what i might be listening for? Where would it sound like it was coming from?

Thanks

Rupert

Might be worth checking

Linky

thanks. will ge me self some hose!

Does anyone know what sound it would make if the cam clearances were too tight due to valve seat wear?

FOUND IT - was just a blowing exhaust gasket - i hope!