I have searched and read what seems like 100's of threads about this noise i'm getting, but it seems different to any thread i've read, so I would like to hear everyones opinion.
I have an VIII with 260whp, so only very light mods... Intake, Exhaust and Custom Ecutek remap.
About 4k miles ago i noticed a very light ticking noise when the engine was hot at idle, almost like a very quiet vibration/rattling noise, but only happened rarely when the engine was hot. About 1000 miles ago the ticking became audible when driving at very low revs and at idle almost all the time. The dealer is currently in the process of changing the tappets (on back order) after trying to bleed them, but I personally think it's more serious than that. The dealer has assured me it's fine and to carry on driving the car normally. :S
I have also noticed that after the Dealer bled the tappets the other day, the engine vacuum seems to be a little lower than usual whilst idling but not on de-acceleration.
Tonight the engine has started to vibrate the car a little at idle and just doesn't sound as smooth anymore even though it still seems to drive normally.
I spoke to someone earlier today who has a lot of experience, he came out, listened to it and he believes it to be the small end rod bearing.
Anyone got any advice or ideas?

I will really appreciate any help. Oli

 

I've had similar problems on my 2g, found out it was a loose exhaust mani... Vibrated at low revs.... Might look into the Exhaust system.. Just a little food for thought.

 

Thanks for the quick reply but I’ve swapped it back to the OE exhaust and it's the same. It’s definitely coming from the engine

 

Check the exhaust manifold bolts to the head. If it is loose and you have an exhaust leak it will sound like ticking.

 

Sounds like the common clutch/tranny rattle caused by the throwout bearing or something else in the tranny (frequently debated here). Usually only noticeable at idle.

 

I do have that noise but this noise can be heard with the clutch fully in. I've even found a loose spark plug but that didn't solve it.

Anymore ideas? Maybe an internal engine problem?

 

how about lifters?

 

I think that is what they mean by the tappets. I will check both manifolds tonight and make sure there aren't any leaks. On thing i've noticed is my vacumm seems to be dropping at idle over time. Used to be 17 and now it's 14

I'm just hoping it is something like a leak

Thanks for all the replies so far

 

i get a ticking, only with my a/c on, in 1st and 2nd gear at low rpm... im not really worried about it tho...its an EVO

 

Mine ticks like an old lady with a replacement hip on a stair climber :-(

 

lifter noise would prob go away after some time....after oil pressure has built up.

could be a bent rod or a spun bearing for internal engine problems.

or u can check exhaust manifold like the other guys suggested.

personally, i'd try not to drive it or run it at all, especially not knowing what the problem is.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone.
The dealer is being no help whatsoever, so i'm going to see if I can investigate it myself rather than waiting forever for the dealer to change the lifters that apparently requires a special tool that they're waiting for.

So I'm going to drain the oil and change the oil filter on the search for metal shavings.
If it is a little end rod bearing thats gone would there still be a noticable amount of shavings in the oil like the pictures i've seen of when main/big end bearings have gone?
Also is there anything else I could check? Maybe do a compression check aswell?
Oli

 

hi!

the dealer is either a loser or is lying to you; no special tools required to change the lifters, other than the standard timing belt tensioner tool, which he should have tons of those on hand!

and yes, if you have spun a bearing, you will usually see "pixie dust" swirling around in the oil when you drain it. warm up the motor and then do your oil/filter change. make sure you have a totally clean drainpan (use rags and alot of brake-cleaner spray). then you can really examine the old oil for signs....

good luck!

todd