09 Lancer GTS 5-speed Manuel. 69000miles. Over the past couple months ive noticed a slight tick coming from my engine compartment when accelerating from around 1500-3500rpm, especially when going up hill. the tick gets louder and deeper the harder i mash the throttle, also keeps in cadence with the RPM's. Dont know if its in my head but i think it may be getting louder.
Im an electrician, not a mechanic, but i do dive under the hood from time to time. mostly coolant system problems on my wifes chevy aveo (what a piece of ****) also the valve cover gasket went and got oil all in the plug wells. that was fun. aveos suck. anyway! i know how things come apart and go back together. it sounds like its coming from the top of the engine under the valve cover. unfortunately i cant be under the hood and have things open while accelerating up a hill simultaneously. engine does not make the noise when in neutral or revving at a stand still. only when engine is under load. any thoughts as to this mystery tap or other things to check? could it be as simple as a valve tap? and how would i confirm this? more importantly, how do i fix it?

 

I think you may have an exhaust leak. As you only hear the sound when the engine is under load, more exhaust back pressure. The easiest way to do this is on a hoist or have the car on stands so you can roll under it. Do it from cold. Get a helper and spray bottle of soap/water. Start it and get a friend to hold a rag over the tail pipe, soap down joints and manifold to head gaskets. Only hold the rag for short periods of time so you don't cause damage from too much back pressure. See if that is the problem, good luck.

 

Thanks ill try that this weekend. did some more research and came up with that same theory. havent had time to try it out though. thanks again.

 

Or do a Seafoam[tm] combustion cleaning and the smoke will expose exhaust leaks too.