Engine Ticking

Caleb W.

Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2016
At idle the tick is not there but when rpms go up the ticking increases. It's not rod knock. It's sounds like a valve train issue. Any ideas. I was thinking valve lash but I'm not 100% sure. Don't want to tear into it to fix nothing. Stock engine btw
 
If you have a Harbor Freight Tools around stop and get a stethoscope and try to verify if it's valve train or it could be the cam sensor report back
 
Pull your valve covers and check the bolts that hold the rocker shafts down. Had them come loose before and even broke one.
 
More than likely, an exhaust leak. Driver side rear header bolt, closest to the firewall. That bolt likes to back out.

Do suggestions in posts # 2 and #4 first, then check for leaky pipes around the welds on the driver side at the front of the exhaust manifold. Could be a cracked header.

If you don't want to buy the stethoscope, use a piece of 1/2 inch PVC pipe to listen for leaks.

Report back.
 
Last edited:
Post a video
I will today when I leave school. Its definitely not an exhaust leak. It sounds similar to piston slap/rod knock but top end noise. Its hard to pin point inside the car... it only happens when I'm in gear too. In park or neutral and I rev it, it doesn't happen.
 
possibly a sticky lifter?? I had a similar noise to what you are describing. Mine was a high pitched clinking sound, definitely up top. The sound went away by the time I got back home. I never did figure out what it was. I've driven thousands of miles before and since then. does the car run fine?
 
I will today when I leave school. Its definitely not an exhaust leak. It sounds similar to piston slap/rod knock but top end noise. Its hard to pin point inside the car... it only happens when I'm in gear too. In park or neutral and I rev it, it doesn't happen.
This points to an exhaust leak even more so. When there is slight load on the engine they get louder.
 
Broken valve spring ? I had a tick and it ended up being the inner valve spring . You couldn't tell with a quick glance so look close at the inner springs
 
After reviewing my videos, I have made the conclusion of like 23 exhaust leaks!!! Lol. The tick I was referring to wasn't able to be picked up on my iPhone with a warm engine. I'll try again in the morning when it's actually cold. But I'll tighten the header bolts anyways since I stuck my head down there when I got to school and heard a leak.
 
I gotta check everything you guys are suggesting this weekend. I drive ye ol' brick daily to school.
 
I have a similar noise that I have been chasing for some time now, I have a tick/metallic sound only in drive with the car moving or foot braking, while moving I can put the shifter in neutral and the noise goes away. It will not make the sound when on jack stands.....Go figure!!!!!
 
I have a similar noise that I have been chasing for some time now, I have a tick/metallic sound only in drive with the car moving or foot braking, while moving I can put the shifter in neutral and the noise goes away. It will not make the sound when on jack stands.....Go figure!!!!!
See post number 9 and others regarding exhaust leaks.
 
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