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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 90
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Kind of sounds like an exhaust leak
Hi All,
I have a 1997 318i with the 1.9L 4 cylinder engine. It is making a pretty loud "tick-tick-tick" noise under acceleration. I got out my stethoscope and it doesn't sound like its coming from the valve train at all. It sounds more like it is coming from the front of the engine. Has anyone had one of these cars with a similar sound that ended up being something other than exhaust or cam/valves? Best regards, |
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04-16-2009, 07:21 AM
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Location: Atlanta
Posts: 773
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I've got a very similar ticking noise on my wife's minivan, especially when the engine is cold or during hard acceleration. I believe it to be the exhaust manifold gasket because I can smell the exhaust fumes under the hood. When the engine warms up, the noise goes away.
At the risk of cracking the exhaust manifold, I plan on getting this fixed in a shop. I would ordinarily try to tackle it myself, but because it is a front wheel drive minivan, the work space is cramped, making this a PITA project. Last edited by Yurick; 04-16-2009 at 11:02 AM.. |
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04-16-2009, 10:58 AM
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It depends on the sound but consider a belt or loose sparkplug.
A loose plug makes an airy putt-putt sound.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
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04-17-2009, 12:32 PM
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Well, I checked the plugs and they're still good 'n tight. I put her up on ramps and crawled underneath and I don't see any signs of an exhaust leak. I'm afraid I'm going to have to pull the valve cover and see what's going on under there. It's been making this noise for 6 months and it's not getting any better or worse. I read someplace that the cams can go bad in these cars and cause this kind of noise. Sure runs good n' smooth for a bad cam though. Thoughts from anyone else? tick tick tick
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04-19-2009, 08:23 PM
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It wouldn't be the cam it would be the hydraulic lifter.
You said you checked it with a stethoscope and I though you conclusion was that it was external in the front of the engine. Pull the belts and run the engine for about 30 seconds to see if the noise id in the belt drive components.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
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04-21-2009, 08:13 AM
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That's a great idea. I'll pull the belts and see what it sounds like. I did check with my stethoscope, but frustration with the issue is driving me to pull that valve cover. Thanks for the wise suggestion - I'll update this when I know more.
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04-21-2009, 03:34 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 90
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I am so thankful that there are other mechanically inclined BMW owners that I can contact. I removed the A/C belt but the noise was still there. I removed the "everything else" belt and THE NOISE WENT AWAY! After reinstalling that belt, I crawled under with my stethoscope and the engine running. I now think that the noise is coming from the belt tensioner. I am *so* relieved that this problem was not under the valve cover. Thank you for bringing me to my senses.
Regards, |
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04-22-2009, 06:00 PM
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I'm glad to help
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
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04-23-2009, 02:18 PM
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1997 BMW M3 3.2L I6
