Help - 96 4.6L DOHC

[Mystic544]

On my 1996 Cobra...

Getting a nasty noise from the rear passenger side engine area.
Don't notice it much as you increase the rpm's, but once you let off and the rpm's drop it starts...plus a bunch right when you shut her off.
1st quick guess was an exhaust leak at the headers (JBA installed probably 7 years ago) - Stupid passenger side is so tight with the starter down there and stuff that I really can't see what is going on. I did get one of those extension mirrors down, but couldn't see much - mostly things looked to be in-place. Searching in that area my nose notice some harsh (maybe raw) exhaust smells...

but...

After looking and listening up top it almost sounded like the noise could be coming from the rear, maybe under the intake or out back.
It also almost sounded like something was not right in the valve area - now once I went under the car this thought became more of a worry as you could hear it better there and it did not sound good. Not a loud knock or as if something was bouncing around in there - but not smooth and clean like the other side.

Sorry - hard to explain :(
I am still leaning to an exhaust leak, but that doesn't make a lot of sense after all these years of running with no issue? Honestly am worried and don't want to drive the car or push my luck at this point.

Any of you Modular guys willing to lend a hand - or at least an ear and opinion????
Car is up on jack stands in my garage....would be GREAT if you could stop by for a quick once over and give me your thoughts.
I've got beer if that helps

Just moved out to the Peoria area from chicagoland and am looking for job SO I am always around the house - Any help would be appreciated!!!!

Thanks Tim

[BurnTire]

If you still have cats look for a broken spot weld on the shields.

Do you have an automotive stethoscope?

[SloSVO]

Do you have an automotive stethoscope?

A 2-3 foot length of fuel or heater hose...

[PapaVolume]

Sounds like a possible lifter/lash adjuster issue to me.

[Mystic544]

Ahhhh...my neighbor actually has a stethoscope that I used, really didn't hear anything...but I could have been listening in the wrong spots lol

Andy (Dude - Thank you again Sir!) stopped by this morning and is pretty sure the header gasket probably went to $hit or lost a chunk :(
"a possible lifter/lash adjuster issue" could be a secondary issue and somethin I would love to look into...if possible

Now I just need to get a "Thrash or Instal day" organized...for sure will need a couple extra set of hands and maybe some specific tools!

With the weather being so nice I just want to get back out there...damn Mod motor issues hahaha

[PapaVolume]

IMO the easiest way to do headers/header gaskets on the mod motors is by dropping the K member down, it grants the easiest access to the side of the motor.

[Mystic544]

IMO the easiest way to do headers/header gaskets on the mod motors is by dropping the K member down, it grants the easiest access to the side of the motor.

agreed 100%...if you have a lift and air tools, which I do not have ;(

[PapaVolume]

So how are you planning to do it?