89 Carrera Engine Clicking

[RSM-M491]

Ok, another newbie question!

is the enigine "clicking" noise normal when at idle? or should I be concerned? Car is running like a million bucks, but sometimes when at a red light I can hear some clicking... (Targa Top Off of course).

Thanks!

I really appreciate all the help on the board! So far thanks to the help I have adjusted my idle, and will be removing my headlamps tonight in an effort to clean the lens's. Do I remove the silver screw at the bottom first, and then the ones around the ring, or does the order not matter?

Thanks!

Rod

[Oh Haha]

The noise could indicate it's time for a valve adjustment.

These engines do exhibit some valvetrain noise from the solid lifters(think muscle cars).

The sounds you hear may be normal. You could post a video and we could try to help more.


Yes, you remove the bottom screw from the H4. That will allow removal of the trim ring.

That screw goes into the one that holds the lens in place. Once that is removed you can carefully pull the lens assembly out and up away from the car. You'll need to remove the wires obviously.

I would suggest putting some masking tape on the surrounding bodywork. it's really easy to slip and scratch the paint.

[Bob Kontak]

The one screw should do it. The other two around the ring are for headlight adjustment.

Can you define the clicking sound better? Most will default to thinking it's valve train noise which is probably ok. Listen with the engine lid open. Same noise when cold as hot? Does it harmonize/align with the engine rpm's? Does it go away when you rev it up a little or does it just get faster?

Edit - was typing while the other post came in.

[Bob Kontak]

RSM-M491's 911 doesn't even bother with lifters. Cam to rocker to valve. Why waste trying to move all that weight. Conceptually the same, of course, as solid lifters. :-)

[Oh Haha]

Bob-I know what you mean.

I had solid lifters in a small block Chevy I ran and the sound is similar.

What I should have said was that the adjustment technique is about the same as in using feeler gauges to set the clearance.

[Por_sha911]

I've heard it said that when the valves are properly adjusted it has a faint sound of a sewing machine.

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

I've heard it said that when the valves are properly adjusted it has a faint sound of a sewing machine.

Mine sounds more like a washing machine full of empty tin cans, loose bolts, and rocks.

I haven't gotten around to "troubleshooting" this, it will start with a valve adjustment, THEN after that you can all look forward to yet another "why is my engine so noisy?" thread. Or maybe "is this normal?"

But seriously, to the OP, if you are asking about a clicking, it's probably normal.

[RSM-M491]

Thanks!

Cleaning the len's as we speak!

ha!

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by por_sha911

i've heard it said that when the valves are properly adjusted it has a faint sound of a sewing machine.

+1

[hcoles]

it is not uncommon to have rapid valve guide wear with these motors, it happened to me.
I bought a car with 47k miles, had a ticking noise at hot idle.
When rebuilding the top end we found one bad valve guide and one or two others that were not great. After 4 months of DIY and $$$ all fixed. :-) I did all the "while you are in there". Of course I'll assume you have checked that the valves have proper lash. The guides might be checked without pulling the motor apart, get the valve lifted off the seat and try wiggling the stem. A good mechanic could advise. At least if you see big movement you identify the likley root cause. At hot or cold idle you should only hear clicking like a sewing machine not ticking or clacking. I've heard some 3.2's that are very close to quiet, almost no clicking even at hot idle. Mine is not perfect but pretty good at this point after 30k miles after rebuild.

[dshepp806]

There are also some that won't settle in after adjustment due to other issues. Ask me how I know about walking rocker arms,..easy to check (visually and torque) and something to pay attention to when adjusting the valves.

As HColes indicated, one would want to thoroughly go through any/all of the possibilities.....as there will certainly be (as he stated) a "root cause".

Best,

Doyle

[RSM-M491]

I am going to call my mechanic on Monday, and set up an appointment, any questions I should ask him, like what method or anything like that he uses to do the valve adjustment? I feel the valves are "louder" after the car is warmed up....

Thanks!

Rod

[RSM-M491]

Also, should I go with 20/50w oil? What brand do most people like? I use 20/50w Royal Purple in my TR8, but I wanted to ask.........


Thanks!

[kidrock]

the 20/50w Royal Purple is fine.

The "oil thread" on this site is HUGE. Every new P-car owner asks that question, and it opens up a huge can of worms. When you have the time and the energy, do a search of "the ultimate oil thread". Super long, but very informative.

[hcoles]

I didn't want to mention rockers...that's almost a whole other subject but yes, I guess rocker bushing clearance should be checked.