Ticking Noise When Accelerating

[apesusi]

I have a 99 Camry and when I accelerate I hear a fast ticking noise coming from the right of my engine. It's only when I accelerate, either by pushing on the gas or by cruise control. If I let off the gas the ticking stops.
Anyone know what could cause this?

Thanks.
apesusi

[Shadetree Mechanix]

I'm not sure if your car has a distributor or not, but if it does, you might need to retard the static timing a bit, if what your hearing is actually "detonation" (aka, knocking) under load.

One thing you could do is open the hood and listen for the noise from there. Blip the throttle lever and see if you can get the ticking noise to come on. If not, it's likely detonation, but if you can, it could also be a leak in the cylinder head gasket, exhaust manifold, or flex pipe.

Make sure the ticking does not occur only when the car is turning and accelerating at the same time. This would be a symptom for worn CV joints.

[apesusi]

Upon testing, it only ticks when a spark plug is applied to a specific cylinder while running. When taking the spark plug out the ticking stops.
We will change the spark plugs tomorrow, but was worried that the problem could be underlying. (bad piston valves?) Is it better to go with OEM or performance spark plugs?

Thanks.
apesusi

[DFBonnett]

Go with OEM plugs. Check the exhaust manifold near that cylinder for a leak.
Does the ticking diminish after the engine warms up?

[Shadetree Mechanix]

Originally Posted by apesusi

Upon testing, it only ticks when a spark plug is applied to a specific cylinder while running. When taking the spark plug out the ticking stops.
We will change the spark plugs tomorrow, but was worried that the problem could be underlying. (bad piston valves?) Is it better to go with OEM or performance spark plugs?

Thanks.
apesusi

I can't figure out what you mean by "...only ticks when a spark plug is applied to a specific cylinder while running...". But if you've ascertained that the ticking is due to electrical arcing, then your best bet would be a "leaky" HT (High Tension) lead.

Bad plugs will not cause ticking but rather misfire which is manifested by jerky engine operation and an uneven exhaust note.

[Toysrme]

NGK or Denso plugs only.
Same spark plug for both engines.
NGK part number 5553 BKR6ES-11
Should be about $1.50, $2.00 a plug at any local auto store. Replace them in 60,000 miles.

If it's still ticking. Replace the spark plug wires with OEM Toyota (Denso), or performance oriented aftermarket wires (Vitek, magnacore).

[qbase32]

I have 4cyl 2005 camry with only 5000 miles, whenever accelerate > 2k - 2.5k rpm, there is ticking noise coming from the front engine, it ticks faster noticeably as the rpm goes higher, (not happens during engine idle, and it has nothing to do with engine warm up or not)
it is hardly to believe, but my 2001 sienna has the exactly similar problem, does anyone know what problem is this?
thanks.

[camryfan92]

I have a 92 5sfe that does the same thing going up hills but i think my problem is a change from penzoil high millage to a synthetic brand.

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by camryfan92

I have a 92 5sfe that does the same thing going up hills but i think my problem is a change from penzoil high millage to a synthetic brand.

Your problem definitely sounds like engine pinging. Do a search on this forum for "ping" or "pinging" and read up on the possible causes and solutions.

Mike

[marc780]

Several things could cause ticking, they range from the normal to the merely annoying to the ominous

1. It could just be normal valve train noise. Theres always some clearance in the valves but if its excessive, could mean valves need adjusting. Its not too terribly difficult to check. you remove the valve cover with enigne cold, check the valve clearances with feeler gauges. If the valves are within specs, and they probably will be, just live with the noise.

2. Spark knock sounds like the rattle of bolts in a tin can being shaken, which is different from a regular and unvarying tick sound. Most Camrys have knock sensors so, unless this sensor is broken, you won't be hearing much spark knock from your Camry no matter what (U.S. not Mexican) gas you put in.

4. Tick could also be accesory belt noise or even camshaft gear rubbing on the TB cover. This isn't likely i think put you could just press on the cover a little and see if the noise changes.

5. One possibility - hope not - it's not likely - but ticking can also be cause by a broken piston ring. That would explain why the noise is not affected by engine temp...you'd want to take it to a mechanic for a diagnosis first before tearing into it i think, that is if everything else has been eliminated as the cause of noise.