What would a broken/out of spec valve sound like...308?

In the last couple of short drives in the 308 there's been an (irregular) off idle flat spot/stumble until I get over 2K RPM.

Pulled into the garage tonight and gave a listen while at idle... I can pick up a regular little tick seemingly under the front cam cover close to the dizzy, which I don't really recall hearing before. When I can hear the tick the engine at idle seems a little flat overall. When the tick dissappears for a quick second the car seems back in tune and up a couple RPM.

I'm going to throw some new plugs in a see if that helps. This summer has been filled with a lot of short little trips which means I could have easily fouled one.

But what concerns me is the tick and the change in engine note when it's either there or gone. Anyway, could a valve be snapped/out of spec/going bad/already floating around and cause an this sort of stumble and "flat" note?

BTW, 1980 308

Thanks

 

I think your tick is an arc, as in high voltage electricity.

 

Perhaps a plug wire, extention or plug is on the fritz?

The overall sound feel of the stumble is that of a fouled/bad plug... it would be nice if that were the case!

 

From the description, sounds like a wire or extension.

 

I've had a box of new red wires just waiting to be swicthed into the car. Sounds like now is a good time to tackle that project.

Thank you! And let's hope it just that simple.

 

Ding, Ding, Ding... he is correct... your extenders are most likely arching... its time for new wires and extenders.... it will just get worse over time.... if you like a show.. pull up the plug hole cover slightly and turn out all the lights ... you should see a faint little spark...but dont touch while its running!