Clicking-come-ticking noise from engine?

Clicking-come-ticking noise from engine?

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arandle

Original Poster:

89 posts

266 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Folks,

I'm sad to admit that my trusty Chim has largely lain dormant in the garage over winter, however I've decided it's a good idea to run her at least once a week whatever the weather - so to that end today I took her to work.

In the last few times I've driven her, and more noticeable than ever today, I've heard a [what's best described as] as ticking-come-clicking noise from the engine. As you've gathered I'm not of a technical bent but to me it sounds "tappety" - I don't even now if that's appropriate with these cars?? Could it be camshaft wear or associated kit??

The noise is more pronounced when the car is cold and when under load - however it's still there when just cruising and when she's fully warmed. It's also there when she's in neutral and you just rev her slightly. It definately sounds mechanically not right and I'm worried I'm making matters worse by continuing to drive the car. Anyone got any ideas as to what it might be? ....and more importantly what I should ask a specialist to look for and worst case scenario for cost?? ....incidentally I have checked the oil and she's 3/4's full (I'll top up once I can find some Mobil-1.)

Any ideas greatly appreciated????

Thanks as ever,

- Andy.

JonRB

74,602 posts

273 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Exhaust manifold gasket. Happened to me last July - identical symptoms.

Have a look at this thread

Incidentally, it wasn't hugely expensive to fix. I had mine replaced with a high-spec steel gaskett and stainless steel bolts. Also had an MOT and had the power steering bypass pipe and clips replaced to repair a fluid leak, and the total bill came to £220.

See my car's profile for further details.

>> Edited by JonRB on Friday 23 January 23:10

beano500

20,854 posts

276 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
arandle said:
The noise is more pronounced when the car is cold and when under load - however it's still there when just cruising and when she's fully warmed.


Hmm I wonder what sort of state your manifold is in? Similar symptoms could be caused by a split/hole in the manifold, or maybe the gasket?

beano500

20,854 posts

276 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Beat me to it Jon!

JonRB

74,602 posts

273 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Ah, the power of PistonHeads.

When I joined I was but a learner. Now I AM the master.

(Of manifold gaskets).

arandle

Original Poster:

89 posts

266 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Thanks chaps - I'm coming to the conclusion it may not require such major surgery as I thought. I'll get down my local independent ASAP and see wos 'appenin.

Cheers again, I'll let you know how it goes.

- A.

shadowninja

76,386 posts

283 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
I get an annoying tick/clicking from the alternator belt. Have to change it every so often (4-5 months) which stops the noise _instantly_.

JonRB

74,602 posts

273 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Do read the thread I posted a link to though. As you'll see from an awful lot of people, the general concensus of opinion is to get it sorted ASAP or you run the risk of etching the head and that IS expensive.

Also, beware of doing the job yourself as a sheared bolt is a very real possibility and is apparantly a whole world of pain.

arandle

Original Poster:

89 posts

266 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Quick update - just went out to the garage and stuck my head under the bonnet whilst the engine was running (sorry neighbours - boy that car's LOUD at 11.30!). Noise seems to be coming from one side of engine only, towards the rear. With my head under there it definately sounds more leaky-gasket than something under the rocker cover, plus, I could detect the whiff of exhaust fumes from that area. I'll leave it to the pro's but my money is on the leaky exhaust manifold gasket theory....

Thanks all again, aint Pistonheads great?!

JonRB

74,602 posts

273 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Sounds like the exhaust manifold gasket to me. Sounds just like mine did.

You don't need to replace them in pairs, by the way. Just get the bank that is blowing done and then do the other side "as and when".

I had my N/S bank done back in July and the O/S bank is still fine. No point in spending out until you need to, as Dave Batty always says.

arandle

Original Poster:

89 posts

266 months

Friday 23rd January 2004
quotequote all
Sounds good to me - thanks JonRB!

arandle

Original Poster:

89 posts

266 months

Wednesday 4th February 2004
quotequote all
Just thought I'd update you on the "clicking come ticking" noise debate...

As so many of you correctly diagnosed, it was indeed a leaking exhaust manifold gasket - had it replaced by the chaps at the V8 centre in Wycombe and the car now seems like a different beast. Got that healthy V8 roar back, lots of pops on the overrun and seems to go like a rocket.

Thanks all for your help!