Generator ticking/knocking sounds

[Dankerz]

I've got a Dodge Ram B250 Van '84

now sometimes when i start it the genarator ticks/knocks...
now this only occurs on low rpm
when i press the accelerator the ticking/knocking first speeds up with the enigne then dissapears.

I dont know if this actually comes from the generator but thats my fought, anybody got any knowledge to lend me, please

Thanks //Daniel :gr_patrio

[Dodgevanman]

Daniel,

It doesn't sound to me like an alternator (generator) problem. It sounds like the hydraulic lifters are not pumping up with oil fast enough when you start the engine. The lifters are the parts that ride on the camshaft and lift the pushrods that open the valves. If these don't "pump up" with oil fast enough, the ticking you hear is the excessive clearance between the lifter and the pushrod.

A number of things can cause this. Low oil pressure at start-up, the lifters are clogged with sludge, or they're just going bad. On an '84 engine, I wouldn't recommend an engine flush, because that can do more harm than good. I would recommend replacing the oil pump with a high-volume unit and replacing the lifters with new ones.