Ticking from Left(drivers) Side Engine compartment

[Baconaire]

I have a ticking noise that is absoluetly consistent. It begins with engine startupup and continues in harmony with the speed of the engine constantly regardless of engine temp (usually 180). I just ticks away anoyyingly with the speed of the engine whether in gear or not. Sounds like a small snare drum.

I used a stethescope and it is loudest at the left(drivers) engine head. I thought it might be an exhaust leak, but after inspection, I am more concerned it is actually within the top end(cam,lifter,valve). Performance seems ok though maybe not quite as peppy as usual. I drive the car normally. I have to get to work.

Before I had the ticking I had a similar squeaking. Replaced the AOS, and cleaned the trottle body, idle control,intake plenum etc. Then I had a consistent CEL and trouble codes for 1-3 and 4-6 secondary air injection not plausible (injection motor is making noise, the good kind). I dbl checked all the connections and the CEL has not come back.

So I have this tick that never goes away eminating from the left side of the engine. Doesn't matter if engine is cold or hot, driven recently or not. No current CEL. tick tick tick ahhhhh.

Ideas?

98 Box 5Spd 75k miles 0-40 Mobile Syth

[RFM]

Sounds like a faulty hydraulic valve lifter.

[atmorris]

I have a ticking noise that is absoluetly consistent. It begins with engine startupup and continues in harmony with the speed of the engine constantly regardless of engine temp (usually 180). I just ticks away anoyyingly with the speed of the engine whether in gear or not. Sounds like a small snare drum.

I used a stethescope and it is loudest at the left(drivers) engine head. I thought it might be an exhaust leak, but after inspection, I am more concerned it is actually within the top end(cam,lifter,valve). Performance seems ok though maybe not quite as peppy as usual. I drive the car normally. I have to get to work.

Before I had the ticking I had a similar squeaking. Replaced the AOS, and cleaned the trottle body, idle control,intake plenum etc. Then I had a consistent CEL and trouble codes for 1-3 and 4-6 secondary air injection not plausible (injection motor is making noise, the good kind). I dbl checked all the connections and the CEL has not come back.

So I have this tick that never goes away eminating from the left side of the engine. Doesn't matter if engine is cold or hot, driven recently or not. No current CEL. tick tick tick ahhhhh.

Ideas?

98 Box 5Spd 75k miles 0-40 Mobile Syth

I might suspect (in order)

1) Collapsed lifter

2) Broken valve spring retainer

3) Cracked or broken valve spring

....and I don't think I'd be driving it until I found out for sure. Don't want to suck a valve and do BIGTIME engine damage.

Edited May 4, 2007 by Andy_M

[Baconaire]

I took the stetescope to it again today and I have new info. I recently heard a tick only on the drivers side (left) head area, but now notice I hear it on both fuel rails as well. When I blip the trottle and the engine comes back to idle the ticking stops for a second (very subtle stuff). But that leads me to beleive it may not be a valve train issue. The sound is not so prominent in the tailpipe. I inspected the exhaust thoroghly and found no leaks. The tick is consistent regardless of any variables.

I recently replaced the AOS and was having secondary vacum CELS after, which have since stayed away after reset. I bet I contaminated a vacum system parts with oil from the AOS failure.

I have been driving for a more the month in this state and the cars runs normally. A mechanic says not to worry but Monday I will visit my mechanic who has a magic ear. I am hoping is it a bad vacum valve or pump. Any ideas are appreciated. Does a 98 Box have an EGR valve?

[Baconaire]

Going in to valve train , would that require pulling the engine and thus big bucks? Thanks.

[txhokie4life]

Going in to valve train , would that require pulling the engine and thus big bucks? Thanks.

I know it has been a while -- what was the end result?