valve tapping question
 

I did a quick search and didn't turn up much so here it goes...

At lower RPM's I'm hearing a tapping sound from the engine area. I'm assuming it's valve tapping but I'm not very smart on engines. The tapping occurs when the engine is hot or cold, and only at lower RPM's (under 2500). The car has about 60,000 miles on it.

Anyways, I guess my question is: If the valves would tap at a lower RPM, wouldn't they tap at all RPM's?

Yes they should and as rpm increases it should get a little louder also.It sounds like you need a valve adustment which should not be needed at only 60,000 miles.Are you sure your oil level is correct.

I have the same problem, a tapping noise that increases with RPM regardless of temperature or run time, but mine is there at any RPM, just harder to hear over the exhaust. Its going to the shop next week, and they are thinking it's either lifters or a timing sprocket. I'm at about 50,000 miles myself

Flame me or correct me if I'm wrong but I always thought that valve tapping happens because the motor was over rev, rev for too long and high revs at a cold start. Meaning that if you’re not taking well car of the motor valve tapping could happen at any mileage.

If it's the usual VQ35 tapping noise, it's probably normal. It's unlikely that valve lash would change at all, unless this was a super high mileage engine...well over 100K+ miles. Lifter buckets are set once, and cannot come out of adjustment unless something very extraneous happens.

Well sh!t on me!! After paying a little closer attention the tapping does go through the whole rpm range. I just never noticed it over the road noise and the exhaust tone. Sounds like the car gets to go see the good ol' doc!

I'll join the AA Valve tapping group also. I'm not sure if its the valves, clutch chatter or the fans (my fan shroud is destroyed).... Dave here I come!

I'm taking mine to the shop on my lunch break. I'll probably know details by the end of the week so I'll give everyone an update then. Good luck to everyone else getting it resolved.

Did anyone ever find an fix to this problem?

Just over 100,000kms and i developed a ticking/tapping noise from the rear drivers side. This noise only happens when hot and gets faster with revs. Starts at about 2000~rpm..

Ive run Motul 8100 (5w40). Did an oil change about 4000km ago.

The rear driverside what? Closest to the firewall?

Put your ear up to the valve covers at idle. Dont burn your ear off! Have someone sit inside steadily rev the motor a little. You should be able to pinpoint which valve it is with just your ear.

And if the sound gets louder when you put your head under the car, like under the driver seat. Then it's probably your clutch. : ) My clutch chatters like a mofo. pos

I check my oil levels once a week. fyi