Engine ticking after oil change

[ALinVA]

After I changed the oil and filter on my 94 Geo Prizm (1.8L, 95k miles) it developed an annoying irregular ticking. Its only noticable at idle and seems to go away during acceleration. My friend told me that it might be valve noise but the engine has always been extremely quiet and the noise didn't start until a day or so after the oil change. It doesn't seem to affect engine performance, but it does make me alittle nervous.

Anyone know what could cause this?

[ishop4less]

did you change the right filter? sometimes if you change to the one that is not the right type of filter and oil, it will create problems. Yours should use 5w-30 oil and FRAM 4967 filter and could be PH,TG or DG Types. If ticking keep continue you might need to have valve sim replace/adjustment. If you ignore it will affect your engine and fuel performance.

[ALinVA]

Yeah, I double checked that it was the right filter. The sticker on the oil filler cap says to use 10w-30 and so does the owners manual and I've been using it since I bought the car with no problems until now.

How difficult would a valve adjustment be on this engine?

[belgichocolate]

Could the ticking possibly be metal expansion, for example, the heat shield on the exhaust. Perhaps a crack in a heat shield?

[monty120]

just a comment, on any small 4 cylinder(ur 1.8) if you are even a half quart oil low you will hear ticking, if you add a quart it will usually go away, good luck.