Strange noise in the engine

[Amos]

Hey, my 1989 Auto L has had a slight engine tick whenever I accelerate... But lately it's gotten MUCH worse. I was driving 80KM/H today and the tick turned into a really fast tick... almost a fluttering sound.

It sounds like it's coming from the passenger's side of the engine bay.

Anyone have any ideas?

[TrueBoolean]

my father's explorer has a similar problem and it's cause by a leak in the exhaust manifold gasket. The ticking sound is only at startup and is gone within a mile on the ex, so the your problem probably is different.

Also, have you made sure the car isn't low on oil? That can cause a ticking sound and sounds more like your problem.

that's my 2 cents

[jglutz]

The tick....most likely in the valve train. Turning to a flutter...the tick morphed into a stuck or cracke valve or maybe a broken valve spring.

QED would be to change the oil. If the sound does not disappear....the valve cover will have yo be removed for further investigation.

[festivaWES]

Time for head job and to adjust the valve lash.

[Amos]

Well... Turns out the car was just thirsty.

Dumped about 1/2 a jug of oil in there and the flutter stopped!

Now it's just the standard ticking sound

[ejp2fast]

ooooooo! at least you caught it for you had to rebuild the engine!

That "standard ticking" just needs valve lash adjust.

[lessersivad]

I may be mistaken but if it's an '89 with an automatic wouldn't that be fuel injected with hydraulic lash adjusters?? At least mine is that way. If that's the case then there shouldn't be any ticking at all should there?

[FestYboy]

they always tick

[stefan]

lol. I heard the noise. It was a VERY loud tick, directly related to RPM, so when it was reved up it sounded like a flutter.

[Amos]

Bah, I don't care about the standard ticking, this car should have a new home within the next 6 months

[ejp2fast]

Bah, I don't care about the standard ticking, this car should have a new home within the next 6 months

you mean you tell us you'll be selling it?!

Give us first dibs!