I have searched the forums for this tick and I am not finding what I need to know. So don't tell me to not be lazy and look in the other threads, because I've done that. I'm pretty sure it's a lifter/shim bucket whateverthe**** tick but I would like a second set of ears to hear it.

My car has an annoying tick, here are the symptoms:
Somewhat audible in the cabin
Heard at all times regardless of RPM
Speed of tap increases with RPM
Very noticeable with window rolled down
No CEL
Continues tapping after 10W-30 Oil change

Just watch my video and tell me what you think please. Your .02c is appreciated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27Y...ature=youtu.be

My questions are:
Does this damage the engine?
How much to fix?
Is this common?
Is it worth fixing?

 

sounds like lifters ticking, although that is prob the worst that i have heard

 

One of the belts is cracked badly. I'm going to replace it on Monday to see if that cures the tick. I also ordered a stethoscope to assist in locating it. I agree that it sounds like a lifter with low oil but it's ridiculously loud. My civic has a lifter tick but not nearly that loud. I will post back on Monday with progress. Help me my350z, you're my only hope.

 

I also went into a shop to ask them how Much to replace that belt just out of curiosity while getting my oil change, and they quoted me $120 for belt and labor... I told them to blow that out their ***.

 

how mechanically inclined are you?

 

The Z has solid lifters, so it's not a collapsed lifter. Does sound like valve tick though. Might need a valve adjustment or you have a cracked valve spring. Alternatively, it could be a fuel injector. Try unplugging the injectors one at a time and see if the sound changes. Gonna be difficult to get to the clips with the plenum on, but it is possible. You could also listen to the injectors one at a time with the stethoscope and note if one is louder than the rest.

 

no he said one is dry rotted, and he is going to have it changed to see if it makes it go away

 

Timing chain tensioner.

 

Nope. I've heard plenty of those. They mostly rattle on clod start and then whine. They don't tick at a steady tempo like that.

 

Pretty inclined, I'm an A&P mechanic that works at Boeing. I have a degree in Aviation Maintenance. So my spec is in Aviation. So I'm not as familiar with cars. And I also don't have a full set of tools that I may need for this job.

I replaced both belts with brand new Gates belts. Still ticking.

EDIT: I just found out the stethoscope was sitting in my mailbox. I've been using it around and I have no idea where to look. I hear all sorts of different noises and I can't tell what I'm looking for exactly. I hear several different little clicks and such but no clue what I'm hearing. Any ideas on where to poke it?

 

Ok so I found a metallic type ticking in the rear section of the engine.

On this:

In this area:



This is hard to locate considering I'm not sure what I'm looking for, the only tick I'm finding is this area and I have no idea if its normal or if that's where the irregularity lies.

 

http://repairpal.com/faulty-fuel-dam...king-noise-757

Possible? I'm at 93,000 which appears to be the "Average" mileage this happens at.

 

Could definitely be the fuel damper. Will make the same kind of noise as a bad injector.

 

Okay so I'm reviving my old thread. I took this to a shop and they told me I would need to get the valve cover removed to be sure but the noise is coming from the No. 6 cylinder. They said it could either be a valve clearance issue, or even damage to the block. They said a valve adjustment for these costs 20 labor hours! At $95/hr that's $1900 just for labor. I guess they need to pull the cams and that's a tedious job.

Is it worth it to do that or wait til it misfires and buy another engine. Remans are about 2 grand on eBay. I may just do the latter.

 

Hey I am experiencing the same noice you are, so was it not either fuel dampener? What did you do to rule out them? Thanks

 

Technically I didn't rule them out. The mechanics at the shop used a stethoscope to listen closer. And he said he pulled the coil pack and he said the misfire coincides with the tick. If you have a tick just as loud as mine. (Video above) then that was the diagnosis. I'll upload a pic of their description.

 

Excuse his spelling errors. But this was the diagnostic sheet he gave me.

 

Hey all. I am once again reviving my thread because I fixed the tick! (finally)

It turns out it was a lifter tick. Quite an involved job as you have to pull the cams! I have information that may pertain to some about costs. Photos below.



Final cost after replacing a few extra things.




Coincedence they were the 2 aft cylinders on exhaust side? Strange.




Proof that they are not hydraulic lifters! These are bucket shims. The indent on the center of the lifter inside is actually supposed to be flat on the top. Not indented.

Any questions?

 

what do i win?

 

Unfortunately it was very expensive and I can't afford much.

Sooo,

A cookie. Chocolate chip.