Clicking under hood

Hey everyone.

I noticed this problem awhile ago, thought there was some kind of critter in my glovebox or something. lmao...Until i realized it was coming from under the hood.

Some external piece of my carb or something keeps clicking like a relay that isn't grounded or something. its coming from the left side, close to the headlight. Its causing no known problems, except the clicking...maybe im getting less fuel mileage than anticipated..or running a tad rich or something small...might as well fix it though.

any suggestions? how could i test these pieces?

86 mazda b2, stock.

thanks alot.

If it is a relay,it might make the noise with the engine off and switch in the on position.This would allow u to locate it better.Is it a regular ,rhythmical click or erratic?Does it vary with engine speed?Might help to know these things to localize where to start looking.BJ

mmm it doesnt make the sound with the engine off. it seems to only make the sound at low engine speeds, driving around town..mostly being stopped. thanks

If coming from right front (Passenger side) of truck,jack that side up so wheel clears the ground,spin the wheel by hand and see if it makes that sound.If so, may be bearing is bad in that wheel, may be the dust shield on ur brake is bent and hitting the rotor, or may be a bad brake pad.If it makes the sound only with the motor running and the truck not moving u have other issues to check like a bad lifter,bad crank bearing,etc.If ity makes the sound only when the truck is moving and the motor is running it may be coming from the yoke on ur driveshaft (too much free play).Lot of things to check I realize but funny sounds are hard to pinpoint.BJ

its definately something electrical, it will make the sounds being stopped, engine on. is there some kind of stethoscope or whatever those doctors use i can buy?

Best suggestion is find a long, skinny screwdriver (works like a stethoscope), put the tip on what you want to listen to, the other end just in front of your ear (keep hair away from moving parts). Works very good for listening for internal engine problems.

If it makes the sound with the truck stopped and engine running and sounds electrical,,start the truck up at night in a dark place and lift the hood and see if u can see electrical arcing from one of ur plug wires or the coil.BJ

Do you have the stock carb?
The stock carb has solenoids that tick when engine is ON.