engine/exhaust starting to make a rat-a-tat-tat sound

[chrisscott]

So over the last couple months I have noticed the engine sound has gone from a soft purr to a rat-a-tat-tat-a-tat sound. It is recently louder and harsher than it has been for the past couple of years since I purchased the car, or at least I think it is. I am thinking muffler because that is what dampens the sound, but I have also had a generator light that has been going on and off seemingly randomly, so I'm wondering if it might be related or if there are just two unrelated things going on at once. This is on a 69 Bug. Thanks!

[calvinater]

Check for exhaust leaks from heads to tail pipe
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[Multi69s]

If you are running the stock dual tipped muffler, get a couple of rags and wad them up so you don't burn your hands. Then "momentarily" use the rags to close up the muffler tips. If you have an exhaust leak, this will force all of the gases through, making it louder, and easier to find. If you have a single tipped muffler, just one rag will do.
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