Ticking noise

[katbrom]

I have a 97 neon expresso that has a ticking noise when I start the car. I reminds me of a card in a bike spoke. I ticks faster as I speed up and slower when I slow down. It seems to go away after the car warms up, either that or I just don't hear it after the first few minutes. Could it be a fan? I just had my oil changed about a month ago if that helps any. Any information or ideas would be very helpful. Thanks.

[das2123]

That's your lifters making the ticking noise. Check your oil level and add if necessary.

[katbrom]

I checked the oil and it's ok. Anything else I can do? Thank you.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by katbrom

I checked the oil and it's ok. Anything else I can do? Thank you.

If you oil level is good, then I don't know much else to do except to switch to a synthetic oil. Some people have said it takes care of the ticking noise. It's common on the neon and not something you should worry about. Just pay attention to see that it doesn't get louder.

[maykelcj]

threre is a valve on the vacum system close to the belts it is a black small valve with a wire plug and 2 hoses coming from the same side. it is located on top of the pasenger fender.
Don't worry it is just that you got a noisy one!!! it ticks because it is opening and closing usually when the car is cold. with the car running put your finger on the valve and feel if is ticking at the same rate you hear. that way you will be sure it is the valve and nothing else.

[cody_e]

Most likely it's piston slap. That's a common problem in Neons. My Neon does it and my Mom's Neon (which has 38k miles on it) does the same thing. They also test drove Neon's that knocked like that. I actually put synthetic oil in my Neon yesterday. It doesn't help the problem it makes the knocking louder! You engine will run smoother though but the knocking is piston slap.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by cody_e

Most likely it's piston slap. That's a common problem in Neons. My Neon does it and my Mom's Neon (which has 38k miles on it) does the same thing. They also test drove Neon's that knocked like that. I actually put synthetic oil in my Neon yesterday. It doesn't help the problem it makes the knocking louder! You engine will run smoother though but the knocking is piston slap.

Knocking is piston slap, but ticking is the lifters. There is a difference.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by maykelcj

threre is a valve on the vacum system close to the belts it is a black small valve with a wire plug and 2 hoses coming from the same side. it is located on top of the pasenger fender.
Don't worry it is just that you got a noisy one!!! it ticks because it is opening and closing usually when the car is cold. with the car running put your finger on the valve and feel if is ticking at the same rate you hear. that way you will be sure it is the valve and nothing else.

Are you referring to the Canister Purge Control Solenoid? If so, then yes it's common to tick.

[maykelcj]

Originally Posted by das2123

Are you referring to the Canister Purge Control Solenoid? If so, then yes it's common to tick.

yes mine on cold weather is kind of noisy.