Engine Ticking Noise? What Causes It? How to Fix it!

The car must run smoothly and make little noise. A car that makes a lot of noise may have something wrong under its hood.

This will help you pinpoint the root cause. The most common cause of a ticking noise coming from your car's engine is one of the listed reasons. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons:

Engine tickling sounds are usually caused by low oil levels, or older engine oils. Low oil pressure can cause an engine to tick. An engine that is ticking could be caused by a faulty hydraulic lifter.

Your engine ticking could be minor, but there may be an issue with your engine.

Below is a list that explains the main causes of engine ticking noise.

Here are 8 common causes of engine ticking noise

1. Engine oil levels should be low

Oil plays a vital role in lubricating the car’s moving parts. Oil also aids in dissipating excess heat. The problem is that engine oil may be low and moving parts can start to come into contact, causing ticking sounds.

You could have a leak if your vehicle has just been serviced and you are still experiencing low oil level. There could be oil seeping from the seals and gaskets. Find the source of the leak and correct it immediately to prevent engine damage from excessive heat.

2. Old engine oil

If you haven’t replaced the engine oil in your car for a long time it is definitely time to change it.

Most cars should have their engine oil changed every 10k miles.

Also, ensure you use the appropriate engine oil for your vehicle. Tickling noises can be caused by the wrong engine oil.

3. Low Oil Pressure

You should immediately replace your oil pump if it is beginning to fail or a component that is causing low pressure.

You should ensure that the oil pressure does not drop to the point where it can cause damage to the engine.

You can attach a manual oil pressure gage to your engine if you're not certain of your oil pressure.

4. Lifters who are not qualified or unable to lift heavy loads

Between the valves, the pushers (or lifters) are located. These are adjustable with oil pressure in newer vehicles. Engine ticking can occur if one of these components is damaged.

If your car is left standing long enough without being driven, there may be an air leak in the lifter that can cause tickling noises. It will usually disappear within a few cycles.

5. Fuel injector Ticking

A lot of people don’t realize that fuel injectors can make a high ticking noise. You shouldn't worry about this noise.

Fuel injectors are able to supply fuel to combustion chambers via a number of valves which open and close. You will notice a tickling sound when the fuel injectors start firing.

6. Rod knocking

Unfortunately, rod knocking isn't a common issue. It is expensive. However, it does happen. You will feel a lot of knocking if you are rod knock.

Pistons are used to move rods, which then turn the crankshaft. The bearings that attach to the rods eventually wear and the rods knock about, causing the ticking sound.

Rod problems can cause a decrease in engine rpm. You may find it difficult to accelerate. This is why rod knocking issues are so costly to repair. You will have to remove the entire engine in order to change the bearings.

7. Unadjusted valves

However, this is more common for older cars. Many newer vehicles have hydraulic lifters which make it difficult to adjust the valves. You may need to check the manual if your vehicle has solid lifters.

Camshaft can be found above the combustion chamber. A pushrod controls the rocker arms. You will find the valves for opening and closing on the rocker arm.

For smooth engine operation, the distance between valves must be exact. There is a possibility that the spacing between parts will shift over time, causing tickling sounds.

8. Recent Engine Oil Change

If you or a mechanic recently replaced the engine oil of your car – you can experience engine ticking noise for a while after the replacement. It could be that the engine oil was changed and air got stuck to the lifters.

If the ticking noise doesn’t disappear after the engine oil change, you should make sure that you or your mechanic filled the engine with the right engine oil type for your car.