Another ticking question but this ones different.
 

Hello, 96 328i 95,000. A tick has developed from the lower right side of the engine (facing engine). It is not in sync with the engine rpm. Just a steady tick. About 2 ticks per second. The weird thing is that it comes and goes for no apparent reason. Ticks for about 10 to 20 seconds then fades away. Comes back after a few seconds. Doesn't matter if the car is warm or cold long drives or short. I cant figure out any patterns and its becoming irritating. Hopefully not expensive. Any ideas?
Thanks Rob

Can you hear this with the hood open or closed? Is the AC on or off?

-Wayne

Intesting you asked. The tick is loudest when I am inside the car. You can hear it outside the car as well. With the hood open you can hear it but the rest of the engine noise kind of blends in as well. Again it is the most loud and pronounced from inside the car.

The ac has been off. I will listen for it when the a/c is on as well.

Thanks Rob

Interesting, usually it's the other way around. Okay, next question, is the sound loudest (outside of the car) from the top with the hood open, or with your head right in front of the front wheel?

Off the top of my head, there's not too much that makes noise on that side of the engine. There's the alternator, the power steering pump, and some idlers. Start with the easy stuff first - check the power steering fluid. Then, maybe remove the belt and run the engine for 10-15 seconds to see if the noise goes away...

-Wayne

OK Wayne,

1. The ticking is definately loudest from the right side (facing engine) wheel well. Not to loud under the hood.

2. A/C did not not seem to make much difference.

3. If I start the car and do not use the gas pedal there is no ticking.

4. If I use the gas pedal at all the ticking starts.

5. If I shut the car off then restart there is no ticking . Unless I give it pedal and then it immediatly returns.

6. Power steering fluid is full. Oil is full.

Hope this helps,
Robert

The next step I would try would be running the car very briefly with the belt removed and see if the problem goes away. That will be a big clue...

-Wayne