Engine ticking noise

Bill Goddard

Bill Goddard

Well-known member
My engine has a ticking noise that increases with rpm and can be heard at idle when stopped. I think it is a valve clearance noise. If it is valve noise is it normal? I have heard it on some other A's but not all. Thanks, Bill G
 
Try to locate the noise. If its coming from the valve cover its probably valve lash. Removing the cover will allow for checking the lash and determining if you have non-adjustable or adjustable lifters. [ manifolds don't have to be removed for this.]

Is the noise normal ? Yep, that is, a certain amount is normal.
 
You might also want to check your timing gear. Mine started making a slight noise before it let go….
 
Sometimes a valve will start sticking in these engines due to varnish from old fuel because the spring tensions are very low compared to an overhead valve engine doesn't take much for the valve to stick
 
Please don’t start taking things apart.

Marvel Mystery Oil in your gas should help you out.

If you have a higher mileage engine you might also want to change your old to 20W-50 along with one blue bottle of STP as the last half quart.

This is my standard first advise on what you have said your car is doing. In most cases that I am aware of, it has done the trick. Good luck.

Enjoy.
 
Ticking noise can some from a variety of sources. Excess valve clearance, sticking valves, cam moving, cam gear loose, loose rod bearings, distributor shaft binding, knocking due to timing too advanced, worn timing gear, more. If you can, take a video and publish it here. Does the ticking go away when you retard the ignition? It is louder under load, under no load, during decelerating, when the engine is cold or warm? The more information the better we will be able to help.
 
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