Ticking noise from engine
Discussion
I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. I recently took my 5 year old Polo automatic into the garage to have the cambelt replaced. The alternator belt was replaced at the same time. Since then the engine has been noticeably noisier. It is "ticking" on acceleration. It doesn't sound like the engine is about to fall out or anything like that, but it's certainly noticeable to me as the regular driver of the car.
I took it back to the garage who test drove it. They agreed that the engine was noisy and had "top end ticking" but they think that it's probably due to a worn camshaft (the car's done 90k miles) and nothing to do with the belts. I am not convinced. It's only been making the noise since the belts were changed.
Should I be concerned? I am thinking of taking it to another garage for a second opinion but obviously that is more hassle, cost etc.
I took it back to the garage who test drove it. They agreed that the engine was noisy and had "top end ticking" but they think that it's probably due to a worn camshaft (the car's done 90k miles) and nothing to do with the belts. I am not convinced. It's only been making the noise since the belts were changed.
Should I be concerned? I am thinking of taking it to another garage for a second opinion but obviously that is more hassle, cost etc.
So the next question would be - can anyone reccommend an independent mechanic / workshop in the Herts area that is good with engine diagnostics and repairs? Most places I know are fine for sorting the usual mechanical bits but are not that great at problems like this. (In the same way that your average builder is great at knocking a wall down but not that brilliant at getting a light switch straight!)
A more specific diagnostic type forum, these guys could probably advise of someone near to you if nobody here can
http://www.bba-reman.com/forums/
http://www.bba-reman.com/forums/
If it is definitely only ticking on acceleration and not when cruising or idling then it's probably pinking. (mild detonation)
Usually an ignition timing matter but cam timing out could cause it but it's very likely they've messed something up anyway. Definitely nothing to do with lifters if they weren't disturbed.
Worst case scenario could be valves just kissing the pistons at higher rpm so see if it's mainly on WOT at mid revs (pinking) or all the time at higher revs.(not pinking and maybe valves)
Usually an ignition timing matter but cam timing out could cause it but it's very likely they've messed something up anyway. Definitely nothing to do with lifters if they weren't disturbed.
Worst case scenario could be valves just kissing the pistons at higher rpm so see if it's mainly on WOT at mid revs (pinking) or all the time at higher revs.(not pinking and maybe valves)
Thanks for all the help.
It's faint but noticeable on idling. It is much more noticeable when accelerating. Pulling out of junctions, or just driving along at say 30 or 40mph at constant speed is when it's the most noticeable. If I take my foot off the gas and coast, I can't hear it at all.
I'd describe it as regular tapping or ticking.
It's faint but noticeable on idling. It is much more noticeable when accelerating. Pulling out of junctions, or just driving along at say 30 or 40mph at constant speed is when it's the most noticeable. If I take my foot off the gas and coast, I can't hear it at all.
I'd describe it as regular tapping or ticking.
-alex p- said:
Thanks for all the help.
It's faint but noticeable on idling. It is much more noticeable when accelerating. Pulling out of junctions, or just driving along at say 30 or 40mph at constant speed is when it's the most noticeable. If I take my foot off the gas and coast, I can't hear it at all.
I'd describe it as regular tapping or ticking.
Leaking exhaust manifold? You really need a man wot knows to take a look (listen)It's faint but noticeable on idling. It is much more noticeable when accelerating. Pulling out of junctions, or just driving along at say 30 or 40mph at constant speed is when it's the most noticeable. If I take my foot off the gas and coast, I can't hear it at all.
I'd describe it as regular tapping or ticking.
-alex p- said:
So the next question would be - can anyone reccommend an independent mechanic / workshop in the Herts area that is good with engine diagnostics and repairs? Most places I know are fine for sorting the usual mechanical bits but are not that great at problems like this. (In the same way that your average builder is great at knocking a wall down but not that brilliant at getting a light switch straight!)
http://www.csautomotive.co.uk/ if you're in West HertsGreenV8S said:
The original comment that the garage agreed it had a top-end tick seems to rule out an exhaust problem - I'd expect a professional mechanic to have no problem recognising that.
I had a specialist diagnose my exhaust leak as a timing chain related noise... so it can happen.Grab a long screwdriver..........place one end on the top of the engine when it is running near where you think the ticking is coming from, place your ear against the other end (yes, really) and then see if the noise is transmitted. You may need to try a few different sites to find or rule out the source of the ticking.
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