Need a noise diagnosed…

[JonBoat55]

Currently at the marina, started up my 99 Regal 18’, 99 Merc 3.0. Taken it out dozens of times this year, with no issues at all. Started it up tonight and i’m hearing this…no clue what it could be, do you?
Thanks

 

[Scott06]

hard to tell where its comng from but my inital thoughts are exhaust flapper which is in the exhaust down pipe just below the elbow , or lose rocker arm

 

[JonBoat55]

hard to tell where its comng from but my inital thoughts are exhaust flapper which is in the exhaust down pipe just below the elbow , or lose rocker arm

The noise seems to be coming from the front of the motor, pulleys and belts. The ticking noise is completely random, not in line with the RPMs at all.

 

[Scott06]

The noise seems to be coming from the front of the motor, pulleys and belts. The ticking noise is completely random, not in line with the RPMs at all.

dissconnect the acessory belts and run the engine briefly see if it goes away. If it does it is one of the acessories or water pump

 

[QBhoy]

What’s the oil like ?

 

[poconojoe]

Does it sound like the water pump? Like grinding bearings or a knocking noise? Are there drips of water coming out of the weep hole on the water pump?

 

[H20Rat]

Sounds a lot like a drive accessory. As other mentioned disconnect the belt(s) and briefly start it.