ticking noise from a '94 cavalier

There is a ticking noise heard from the engine which is a 3.1 multi port FI V6 . I think it is the values but im not sure. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance.
-Fed

Use a stethascope or a broom handle to isolate where the noise is coming from. But you are right, the ticking is commonly from a loose rocker arm ticking against the valve. It will be the one you can wiggle when you take the valve cover(s) off. Good Luck.

So i just tighten the rocker arm?

Snug it up until you cannot wiggle it. Rotate the motor a few rotations and check again, you may find more than one loose.

If you do not have a stethascope,use a very long screwdriver.Put the handle side to your ear and the tip side to the noisy area.There is no valve adjustment on the 3.1.

If you do not have a stethascope,use a very long screwdriver.Put the handle side to your ear and the tip side to the noisy area.There is no valve adjustment on the 3.1.


3.1 liter engines have a common problem with the lower intake leaking antifreeze into the oil. Pull out the pcv valve and see if it has some white stuff on the bottom of it. if it does that means it has been trying to pull water out of your oil. Also does your oil need changing really bad. If so worn oil can cause low pressure in your hydraulic lifters causing a ticking noise. it might be that your hydraulic lifts are getting worn and some heavyier oil might help them out. I would be leary of this if your in a very cold climate.