My ticking sound scares me still! Ideas?

davis911s · davis911s's Garage

I still have a clicking sound coming from my engine when I start it and it stays till it is warmed up. I have searched the valves with a long screwdriver and they seem good. I think it is coming from my pressure fed tensioners that I installed last winter.

The sound does go away when the engine is warm. And it has done it all season ( approx 2500kms) But what else could it be?

My thoughts are chains or chain rails??

Am I just being overly nervous, I've heard that the pressure fed tensioners make noise but this is a loud ticking till its warm.

Shawn

Superman · 09-16-2001, 07:27 PM

Sounds like a valve out of adjustment. Ticking.

Chain problems would sound more like rattling or rumbling or whining.

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'83 SC

Leland Pate · 09-16-2001, 07:42 PM

Hey, I had the exact same symptoms a year ago before I rebuilt my motor.
I had the tensioner upgrade as well.

And it went away after the motor warmed up. I removed the chain covers and looked for broken rails or evidence that a worn chain was making contact with the housing. I couldn't find the problem. And it persisted. Now that i have my engine running again I can say, although it leaks (dammit) it dosen't make that noise anymore. maybe it was the chain...I dunno.

avendlerdp · avendlerdp's Garage

Check for leaking header gaskets. They can sound like ticking and go away when warmed up. Alex

davis911s · davis911s's Garage

Thanks all

Alex, that sounds like it could be it.

Leland sorry to hear about the leaks. I pulled my engine last winter to fix some leaks and install the tensioners and it leaks worst than ever?

SO I pulled it last week replaced some seals, its better but still bad.

I still haven't replaced the seal between the engine and transmission, will do that and more next month.

Good LUck and thanks

Jdub · 09-17-2001, 07:17 AM

I think that Alex is right. Anyone who has owned an 80s or 90s Subaru or 4-cylinder VW knows that the manifolds love to warp. When they do, you first get a distinct click that goes away when the heat closes up the leak via expansion. It sounds EXACTLY like a bad valve/lifter and will throw you for a loop.

Jw