Ticking Or Clicking Noise In Engine: Reasons And Fixes

Is ticking noise in the engine something you should be worried about? Well, maybe or maybe not. There are a couple of reasons for such noise.

It could be a natural cause or due to faulty car parts connected to the engine. An engine works together with other parts and can make clicking noises.

While some noise should be of great concern to you, others shouldn’t bother you. You will mostly hear the clicking noises when in motion, accelerating, idling or when starting up the vehicle.

So, let me walk you through some possible causes and fixes of clicking noise in your engine.

Understanding Engine Noises

Ticking Or Clicking Noise In Engine

An engine is a complex machine with many moving parts, including pistons, valves, belts, and chains. These components work together to generate power, but they can also produce sounds as they move and interact.

Some engine noises are normal, while others can indicate a problem. For example, a smooth hum or purr is typical of a well-functioning engine, while knocking, grinding, or ticking sounds may signal an issue.

The key is to identify the type of noise and its source to determine whether it’s something to worry about.

Why My Car Engine Makes A Ticking Or Clicking Noise

First thing first, remember there are reciprocating and rotating engine components. And that the reciprocating parts may cause the clicking sound you hear in most cases.

The rotating components such as bad bearings and other faulty accessories may also be the cause. This is because they make whining noises as they keep rotating.

On the other hand, reciprocating engine parts tend to make clicking, clunking, or ratcheting noises as they move. Examples of reciprocating components may include rods, pistons, valves, rocker arms, and pushrods.

Another thing that plays a huge role in causing this noise is the engine oil. It works together with many reciprocating and rotating parts.

So in most cases, if something goes wrong with it, it tends to affect some engine accessories it drives. As these components get affected, it directly affects the engine as well.

Now that you know which components are likely to make such sounds, your thoughts should tell you where to check first.

Knowing where the noise is coming from will direct you on how to get rid of ticking noise in the engine. However, you can still check the rotating components to be sure where the sound is coming from.

Is Engine Ticking Normal?

While any engine tick is deserving of your attention, such noises are not always cause for concern. In fact, some ticking noises are completely normal, and to be expected.

It is possible to have never paid attention to these standard ticking noises until your vehicle has been left to idle in a confined space where these sounds are magnified.

The following are several of the most common sources of ticking noises from beneath your vehicle’s hood which are completely normal and require no intervention.

Engine Ticking vs. Knocking

Both the sound of the engine ticking and knocking are enough to get your attention. However, the engine knock is much more serious.

The ticking is normally indicating something wrong with the top end of the engine, while the knocking indicates internal damage or something wrong with the bottom end.

Knocking is typically indicating a rod or bearing noise. In most cases, these problems turn into an engine rebuild or replacement.

Causes Of Engine Ticking Noise

The following are reasons why your engine is making a clicking noise.

#1. Normal Wear And Operating Noise.

Ticks in the engine could be regular as a result of your engine design. It could also be a result of wear that occurs as your engine runs. Now, I will highlight some ticking noise your engine makes that shouldn’t bother you.

  • If your car uses fuel injectors, you may hear such ticks when your injectors fire. Fuel injectors are portable electric valves. They quickly open and close to allow the correct quantity of fuel into the internal combustion chamber.

In many vehicles, you will hear a sound as the injectors close and open when idle. The noise is usually like that of a pointed pencil tapping on a table with a harmonious sound. In cases where you have faulty fuel injectors, you will not hear such a sound.

  • Another tick that shouldn’t bother you is that from your exhaust manifold leak. As high fumes leave the crack in the manifold or leak from the exhaust, a click or a tick is heard.

This happens mostly when the engine is idle or the engine is at low RPM. While this tick isn’t dangerous, you should fix it on time. This is to ensure that exhaust fumes stay where they are supposed to stay.

  • The clicking sound could be from your purge valve. The purge valve’s job is to release fumes stored in the engine’s intake system, where they burn. So as it carries out this task, it can emit a ticking sound.
  • The sound could also be from the PCV valve, especially when the valves are old. So ensure you change old PCV valves to avoid such noise.
  • Fuel pumps, especially electrical ones, tend to make a clicking sound when it starts. If the pump does not engage when you try to start the car, it means you have a bad fuel pump.
  • You can also hear an engine ticking noise when cold starting an engine. The sound may be from the valves, piston, or cylinder wall clearance. But as you keep driving, the engine warms up, and the sound disappears.

#2. Misadjusted Valves.

Misadjusted valves could also cause valve ticking noise in engine.  An engine comes with an intake and exhaust valve that allows air in and out of the combustion chambers.

There is a component known as a rocker arm that helps to open and close the valves.  The rocker arm, in turn, is controlled by the camshaft pushrods. These pushrods must be at an exact distance from the valves.

These valves open and close twice as your engine spins and moves at a short distance and time. You will hear a clicking sound if the valves do not open and close at the appropriate time and distance.

#3. Faulty Lifters.

An engine’s cylinder head utilizes different lifters to open and close engine valves. With time, they wear out, hence causing a metal-on-metal ticking noise in engine when idle and accelerating.

#4. Filter Spacing issues.

The filter is placed between the pushrod and a camshaft. There will be issues if the space within these three components is too loose or too tight. If the space is loose, the components will not contact properly, causing a ticking noise.

As your car runs, engine heat causes valve stem expansion. If the space is too tight, the lifter would not have enough space to accommodate stem expansion and it’ll make the engine tick.

#5. Low Engine Fluid.

Most times, you may hear ticking noise in engine when starting, idling, or accelerating. This could be due to some engine parts not being properly lubricated due to low engine oil. Improper lubrication of engine valve train components can also cause engine ticking noise and loss of power in the engine.

#6. Not Using The Right Oil.

Every car comes up with engine oil recommendation that’s best for that specific model. Some car oils are good for summer, while some are for winter; as such, you must know which to use. So, if you use the wrong engine oil, it will cause your engine to make a ticking noise.

#7. Oil Filter Issues.

The oil filter ensures that dirt and other debris do not enter the engine oil. If the filter becomes bad, dirt will enter the oil and contaminate it and cause a clicking sound.

#8. Contaminated Engine Oil.

As you use your vehicle, dirt can enter your engine oil due to wear or tear. This is why it is recommended to change the oil regularly. If you don’t, the dirt will pile up and block the engine filters, causing it to make a clicking noise.

#9. Rod Knock.

An engine that ticks slowly together with engine RPM, say once as your engine revolts, could mean a knocked rod. The con rod will knock if the engine bearings deteriorate, thereby causing spacing/wiggling between the main bearing cap.

So as the bearing deteriorates, it allows a movement that plays like a tap or clunk sound. This sound depends on how damaged the bearing is.

When the rod knocks, the engine’s RPM sound changes, but the engine’s load or temperature sound remains the same. The only way to rectify a knocking rod is to rebuild your motor. This is quite expensive, but you will need to do it later on.

#10. Damaged Spark Plugs.

Old or bad spark plugs can cause a clicking noise in the engine, especially in vehicles with high mileage.

In other cases, a misaligned spark plug can cause this noise. This is because a spark plug not seated properly allows exhaust fumes to bypass and make an engine tick.

#11. Faulty Drive Pulleys.

Pulleys use bearings to turn, just like skateboard wheels. And as time goes by, they get worn out. When they are worn out, they cause an irritating noise when idle or during acceleration.

#12. Poor Maintenance.

Regular and proper maintenance will make your vehicle stay longer. One thing is to maintain your car regularly, and another is using the right persons and tools.

Not using the right tools and persons will cause your engine components to get worse and cause ticking noise.

Diagnosing Ticking Noises: DIY Tips

#1. Check Oil Level And Quality.

One of the first steps in diagnosing a ticking noise is to check your engine’s oil level and quality. Using the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, then reinsert and remove it again to read the level.

The oil should sit between the minimum and maximum indicators. Additionally, take note of the oil’s colour and texture – clean oil is generally amber and free from grit.

Dark, thick, or gritty oil may indicate it’s time for an oil change, which could resolve minor ticking issues related to lubrication.

#2. Use A Mechanic’s Stethoscope.

A mechanic’s stethoscope can be a handy tool for pinpointing the exact source of ticking sounds within the engine.

By placing the tool’s probe on different engine components, you can listen closely for the noise’s origin, helping identify whether the ticking is coming from the lifters, timing chain, or another area. This method can save time and direct you to the most likely source of the issue.

#3. Observe Patterns.

Listening to when and how the ticking noise occurs can provide valuable clues. Pay attention to whether the noise is more pronounced during idling, acceleration or deceleration.

For instance, ticking sounds that increase with RPMs might suggest issues with the lifters or timing chain, whereas sounds that only appear on start-up could be due to cold oil or minor lifter ticking.

Noting these patterns can help narrow down the cause and determine whether further diagnostics or repairs are needed.

How to Fix a Ticking Noise in the Engine

At the first sign of a ticking engine, you want to figure out what’s wrong and repair it. By promptly addressing the situation, you can prevent larger and more expensive problems. Here’s how we handle this situation as professional mechanics.

#1. Check The Oil Level.

Your first step is to make sure there’s enough oil in the engine. Check the oil level with the dipstick to see if more needs to be added.

If you continue to add oil, you need to look for a possible leak. Otherwise, the oil could be leaking internally, such as what happens when there’s a blown head gasket.

#2. Change The Oil and Filter.

If you notice the oil looks contaminated during the check, it’s time to change it. Drain the oil and fill the system back up with the right viscosity.

Don’t forget to change the filter at the same time. Additionally, you want to take the old oil to an appropriate location for recycling. Most auto parts stores offer free oil recycling.

#3. Check Oil Pressure.

It’s also wise to keep a close eye on the oil pressure gauge on your car. If the oil pressure is dropping, it’s important to figure out why.

However, this gauge isn’t always accurate. For that reason, we recommend manually testing the oil pressure if you are hearing a ticking sound. There could be an issue with the gauge or the sensor that is causing a faulty reading.

#4. Let The Engine Warm Up Completely.

The engine must reach the normal operating temperature for the oil to flow normally. If you are hearing a ticking only when you first start the engine, let it warm up completely.

You may also consider changing the oil viscosity to make it flow easier. Check the owner’s manual to see what viscosity you should be using or talk to a mechanic for more help.

#5. Diagnose Hydraulic Lifters.

If the engine ticking is continuous, no matter what temperature the engine is, the lifters are probably to blame. A faulty hydraulic lifter must be replaced. You could replace just one, but we often recommend replacing them all because the others could fail shortly.

If you have solid lifters, you may be able to adjust them. However, this is a complicated procedure and should only be performed by a professional.

#6. Look For Exhaust Manifold Leaks.

You may be able to find an exhaust leak simply by listening to it. Start the engine while it’s cold and listen for sound from the manifold. You may also see soot stains at the source of the leak.

Depending on your vehicle and the severity of the problem, you may need to take off the exhaust manifold to find the leak. Take a look for hairline cracks that would be letting exhaust through. This inspection may also require the use of a flashlight.

#7. Contact A Professional.

If you are having trouble getting to the heart of the problem, it’s best to get some help. We recommend calling an ASE-Certified Technician for car repair, as these professionals have been trained.

You will pay for diagnostics, which is often a flat fee. After the problem is discovered, you should be able to get a comprehensive estimate before any work is performed.

Preventing Ticking Sounds

While some engine noises are inevitable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of ticking sounds:

  1. Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and timing belt inspections.
  2. Use High-Quality Fluids: Always use the recommended type and grade of  engine oil, fuel, and coolant.
  3. Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any unusual noises or performance issues, address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
  4. Drive Responsibly: Avoid aggressive driving, which can put extra stress on the engine and its components.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Ticking Engine?

The cost to fix a ticking engine depends on the cause of the tick and your car model.

If the tick is from the lifter, it is likely an oil issue. Changing oil is relatively cheap. It would cost you around $25 to $50.  But if the damage is more complicated, you could spend between $1000 – $1500 to replace an entire lifter.

The entire lifter would cost between $300 to $400 and the rest will go into labor costs. This is because changing lifters is a tedious and quite complicated process that needs an expert to do.

If the problem is with the pushrods, you will spend $600-$1000 to replace them. This process is also complicated and time-consuming and, therefore, needs an expert to do it.

Problems from knock rods caused by bad bearings connected to the rod are costly to fix.  This is because you will have to rebuild your entire engine by changing many components. This could cost $900-$1500, depending on your engine type.

Majorly, to fix engine clicking noise, first, have a mechanic diagnose the cause of the sound. Then verify how much it costs to fix the components.

FAQs.

Q: Is A Ticking Engine Bad?

Engine ticks because of many reasons. It could be because of engine operations or faulty engine parts. If the tick is due to engine operation, as the movement of fuel injectors, it is not bad.

But if it’s those caused by faulty engine components, then it is bad. It would help if you learned how to stop ticking noise in the engine that is dangerous to avoid engine problems.

Q: What Is Clicking Noise Under The Hood?

Clicking Sound under the hood could be a result of lifters. Bad lifters, contaminated oil, and bent pushrods can cause the lifter to make an irritating noise.

Q: How Long Can You Drive With A Ticking Lifter?

A ticking lifter indicates that your lifter is faulty. When it ticks, do not drive your car for more than 100 miles.

If you keep driving for long with ticking lifters, it will damage costly engine parts and the engine itself and cause you to spend thousands of dollars to get these damages fixed.

Q: Can A Bad Spark Plug Cause A Ticking Sound?

Bad spark plugs can cause ticking sounds. This is because they are supposed to sit properly on the engine’s head. But if they are bad, they won’t be able to sit correctly, causing a ticking sound in the engine.

Q: Why Is My Engine Ticking After An Oil Change?

Engine ticking after changing your oil could be because of different reasons.

Engine oil level: It is possible that after changing your oil, it didn’t get to its required level. What you should do is to top up with the recommended oil until it reaches its full operating volume.

Leaks: After changing your oil, there may be leaks. This leak can reduce the oil level and cause a ticking sound. Ensure you properly inspect the oil filter and plugs for escaping fluid.

To check for leaks, place cardboard under your car engine while it runs. Leave it there for some time and check if oil drops on it.

Loosed Drain Plug Or Oil Filter: These two components may get partially loose during an oil change and cause leaks leading to ticking noise.

Q: Can A Bad Catalytic Converter Cause A Ticking Noise?

Yes, a bad or clogged cat can cause a ticking noise. When a cat is failing, it tends to make a rattling sound. To be sure it’s the cat, bang on each side with a heavy rubber mallet.

If you hear a rattling sound, it means your cat is failing. Ensure you have an unclog catalyst converter by cleaning it up and changing bad ones.

Q: Why Does My Engine Make A Clicking Sound When I Turn It Off?

The exhaust system includes a rocker arm, catalytic converter, muffler, heat shield, exhaust pipes, and exhaust manifold.

You will hear a clicking sound mainly when most exhaust and engine components are cooling down. As they cool, heat expansion takes place and causes a clicking sound.

While cooling, the contraction process of these components also causes metallic noise as the metal shrinks.

Final Words

Ticking noise in the engine could be caused by faulty engine or exhaust components like pushrods, valves, mufflers, etc.

Or it could be due to the normal operation that goes on in the engine.  First, inspect and know what is causing such ticking noise and when you experience it.

If the noise comes from components like fuel injectors, PCV valves, purge valves, etc., you shouldn’t worry.

They tend to make a clicking noise as they work. But if the noise comes from lifters, bearings, pulley drives, etc., you must have them checked and replaced accordingly. Else more expensive engine parts will be destroyed.

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