Lifter Tick or Rod Knock?

[Matrixhunter]

So here is the problem. Stock 7 bolt 95 AWD

The engine ticks at idle (loud) near the timing side but as you rev the engine its slowly goes away and almost disappears at 3000+ rpm. The engine runs strong but the sound will not go away cold or warm.

Engine has perfect compression in all four cylinders and timing is correct.

Oil was clean I did not find any metal shavings.

So am I right to assure that it is lifter tick? Rod knock would get louder at higher rpm correct?

 

[wfsr_b20]

I have the same exact noise coming from the engine. Only mine is a 1g. But same problem hopefully someone could help us. Ive been in doubt about it since the noise started.

 

[Booztit]

It s very possible that it is, especially in cold weather, if you guys have those mini holes lifters, change them fast for the revised ones, it s a huge difference, much more easier to tune after too
Worst case it s only a 100$ and an hour / hour 1/2 of your time....(if you dont remove the cams)

 

[Matrixhunter]

I was just worried it could be a bad bearing but i'm definetely leaning more towards the lifters. I'll just change them all out with the Topline ones.

 

[wfsr_b20]

Alright but doesnt lifter tick go away when the engine is warmed up. Or does it still keep doing it when its warm. Because ive searched and most of theres go away when the engines warm.

 

[rarson]

My lifters just started ticking again. After years of not ticking at all.

It comes and it goes. Nothing to be worried about, but DAMN it's annoying. Try the revised lifters and see if they help.

I have a feeling my tick might be related to dirty oil (since like I said, it hadn't ticked in years). I'll be changing the oil soon, so we'll see...

 

[Booztit]

I know that in my case, they were knocking even at warm temp, it might depend on the type of oil you re using or a few other things

 

[TSIMonsteR]

Lifters can seize and will tick no matter what. Changing to the revised lifters is easy and is certainly worth your time.

 

[wfsr_b20]

Alright then. Just wanted to make sure that it was nothing that would damage my car. I will definately be changing over to the revised lifters soon. Thanks.

 

[haioku-rocket]

rod knock is very noticeably different than lifter tick. You will know it when you hear it. You could also do the old school way of listening where the sound is coming from. Just use a steel rod. Press it against apart of the engine you want to listen to. Push your ear against the other side. It works similar to a stethascope...but like a getto one.

 

[Matrixhunter]

The sound is isolated to one area of the head, near the coil pack and the sound does not go away when warm and it's loud. A lifter or 2 must be collapsed. However, the sound does become very faint when the engine is rev'd to 3000rpm and higher.

I just ordered a set of Topline revised lifters, i'll update the post once I get them. Thanks

 

[interex]

It sounds like lifters to me. I'd go get a set of 3G lifters and put them in. check the rockers to make sure they are good, and make sure your springs arent too soft.

 

[viterbi]

I get less lifter tick with 10W30 oil then I do with 5W30.

 

[rarson]

That doesn't make much sense. You sure it's not a placebo effect? When the oil warms up, 5W-30 and 10W-30 are the same viscosity. My ticking usually doesn't even start until the car is warm.

Also, I use 0W-30 and had no ticking for years. The weight of the oil probably isn't causing or helping anything.

 

[viterbi]

Mine ticks for a minute after a cold start then goes away with Castor 10w30. With Pennzoil 5w30 it was ticking all the damn time...could be a switch of brands I'm just glad it goes away...

 

[Matrixhunter]

Turns out the engine has crankwalk, when the clutch is pressed in the noise gets louder regardless of rpm. 6 bolt swap time.

 

[slow_tsi]

if your lifter tick comes and goes once warm you have whats called bleeding lifters mine does it its nothing but an annoyance ill swap mine when i do my timeing belt so i wouldnt be worried to much mine has done it for over 6000 miles being abused every day but the lifters mine will will eventually collapse