Ok when I start my car and it's cold the engine makes a strange ticking noise but then goes away as soon as I get out of 1st gear. And if the car has been ran and I start it and it's warm there's no noise. Any help?

 

Most likely a little bit of clatter from the lifters or rocker arms, mine does the same thing. Maintenance wise our cars have a valve clearance check that should be made every 60k.

 

Ok how should I check that? Sorry for dumb questions I'm new to the car world I just want to learn.

 

Im pretty sure we have hydraulic lifters and cannot be adjusted...i have heard sludge sometimes block oil passages going to the lifters and reduce the oil pressure the lifters need making the little ticking noise when cold.

 

So you're saying I'm good? Just a inconvenience?

 

The lifters can't be adjusted, but it's the rocker arms that actually get adjusted. You'd need a feeler gauge and a new valve cover gasket, the rockers are under the valve cover. Honestly if the tick isn't constant and pretty loud the inspection isn't necessary, it's typically only done if things are constantly clattering. Also if you're not really mechanically inclined I would skip it, or at least get somebody who's pretty familiar with working on cars to give you a hand(no offense).

 

+1 for the lifters, they are in fact hydraulic, and right again with the semi clogged passages

 

Alright sounds good. Thanks guys!

 

Hi,
I have 2003 Lancer. I have replaced about 1/2 the lifters already but still have a pretty loud tick. I have actually had it apart four times and have found mechanical damage to lifters twice and I was suspecting a clogged oil passage as well. Can the passages be cleaned in some way? Has anyone done so?

The lifters are hydraulic so lash cannot be adjusted.

Although I see that folks are not worried about the ticking, the reality is that it indicates that valves are not opening all the way. In time this will burn valves.

Looking forward to insights.

Thanks Jeff