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Ticking Noise (Valve Cover, Passenger's Side Area) Solved

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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 12:10 PM
  #1  
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Default Ticking Noise (Valve Cover, Passenger's Side Area) Solved

While this may not be the solution for everyone it was for me.

There was a constant ticking noise that was in time with the RPMs of the engine. It was very easy to hear from outside the car and whenever my windows were down and I was near a building. I thought it was coming from the valve cover area (dreaded the idea of it being valvetrain related) until I read about the Fuel Damper issue.

Steps to check:

Method 1: Simply hold onto the line coming off the fuel damper while the engine is running. If the hose pulses in time with the tick it's 99% chance that is your culprit.

Method 2: Using an automotive stethoscope (if you don't have on go buy one now. They are priceless when it comes to pin pointing a noise.) place the end of it against the Fuel Damper itself. Again if you hear the ticking loud and clear then this is your problem.

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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 12:48 PM
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So - is it a problem, and if so, how did you fix it? Or are you just ignoring it now that you know what it is?
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by PerfZ
So - is it a problem, and if so, how did you fix it? Or are you just ignoring it now that you know what it is?
+ 1

After reading this forum 7+ years, I've never heard of the fuel damper. SUbd.
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 05:11 PM
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You don't need a stethoscope - get a long handled screwdriver. Put the end on the part you want to listen to and the handle against your ear. Vibrations travel up the metal to the handle right into your ear canal.
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 06:27 PM
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I thought this was already a known problem in 03-06 Z's? There is even a TSB about it.
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 07:25 PM
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Interesting.
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Old Sep 5, 2012 | 04:42 AM
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Never heard of it in all of my 9.5 years of owning my car.
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Old Sep 5, 2012 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by PerfZ
Never heard of it in all of my 9.5 years of owning my car.
Really? It was one of the first things I saw when looking to buy one

Via ConsumerGuide

TROUBLE SPOTS
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Airbags: Air bag warning light may illuminate signaling failure of the system due to water intrusion in the front crash zone sensor and a campaign was issued to vehicle owners in salt states. (2005-09)

Brake noise: Using brake pads other that the original non-asbestos organic linings (even OEM Nissan "Key Value" brand) may result in brake noises or difference in feel. (2003-06)

Clutch: There was a voluntary campaign to replace the clutch slave cylinder. (2007)

Cold-starting problems: The engine may not restart after a short trip (less than 10 minutes) in very cold weather (less than 10 degrees F), requiring replacement of the power distribution module. (2004)

Cold-starting problems: In very cold weather (10 degrees F or below) following a cold soak, the starter may not work after a short trip requiring replacement of the intelligent power distribution module. (2003-06)

Dashboard lights: The tire pressure warning lamp will glow steadily when the car is started if the long-term storage fuse (also called electronic parts fuse) is temporarily removed. (2003-04)

Engine knock: Knocking or ticking noises coming from the engine compartment at idle may be due to pulses in the fuel line for which a revised damper and hose are available. (2003-06)

Engine temperature: The idle speed may become too high after normal service to clean the throttle body because the computer has learned the old idle air value so the computer's values must be reset. (2002-05)

Hood/trunk: The rear hatch may not pop up when the release is activated due to weakened lift springs near the gas charged supports. (2003)

Vehicle noise: A tapping noise (like a pencil on a table) may come from under the dash due to debris in the heater core which must be flushed out. (2007-09)

Vehicle noise: A buzzing or whining sound from the front of the 3.5L V6 engine is likely due to the timing chain(s) which should be replaced along with its tensioner(s). (2005-07)

Vehicle noise: Clicking noises from the rear (one or both sides) may be due to premature wear of the rear constant-velocity joints at the outer axle ends. (2003-04)

Windows: The power windows may quit working if the battery is disconnected or if the window fuse blows requiring reprogramming the windows. (2003-08)

Windows: The auto-up feature may not work if the battery was disconnected or the power window is cycled numerous times without going fully up or down and must be reinitialized. (2007-09)
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 11:16 AM
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Any chance you think it could be a loose fuel damper??
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Old Oct 14, 2018 | 10:04 AM
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So is there any definite answer on this? I attached a clip of the sound mine is making to this post. Anyone able to tell which it is? My fuel damper line is not pulsing with the sound. I have a good feeling it's the lifters as the previous owners didn't do a good job on oil changes. If anyone can confirm this so I can go ahead and find someone to fix it, please do. I'm in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, any recommendations on shops would really really help. Thanks guys and gals.
- Ticking in Dallas-
Attached Files
File Type: wmv
VID_20181014_124448049.wmv (2.90 MB, 338 views)
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Old Feb 17, 2025 | 03:57 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by 03G35
So is there any definite answer on this? I attached a clip of the sound mine is making to this post. Anyone able to tell which it is? My fuel damper line is not pulsing with the sound. I have a good feeling it's the lifters as the previous owners didn't do a good job on oil changes. If anyone can confirm this so I can go ahead and find someone to fix it, please do. I'm in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, any recommendations on shops would really really help. Thanks guys and gals.
- Ticking in Dallas-
Sorry to dig up an old thread. Did you ever manage to diagnose and fix your issue?
I'm having the exact symptoms as in the video you posted.
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