Loud ticking (not lifters!)

[Tom Sawyer]

My car has had this intermittent ticking practically since new and I've just always had something else to do and never gotten around to fixing whatever it is. It is independent of the motor as it does not speed up or slow down with RPM. Never happens when the car is first started up cold or after the car has been shut down for over 30 seconds and restarted. Usually only at idle but occasionally at low load in gear. I've tried testing the accessories by cranking the wheel completely in idle (no change) and turning on the A/C (slightly quieter ticking). I think it could be some solenoid in the A/C but was just curious if anyone might have experienced this before and had a more concrete answer before I tear it apart. Thanks for your help.

Tom

 

[leet]

When my AC Compressor failed, it ticked rather badly. It would also quiet down a bit when I turned the AC on. Check it out.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Did it tick at a constant speed regardless of engine speed and only when the car warmed up? And even if the A/C is off? Mine has been ticking for at least 40,000 miles and it hasn't gotten any worse so I just don't want to go replacing stuff unless it's really broken. Can you describe your symptoms a bit more?

Tom

 

[kr.k]

I have solenoids ticking. it drives me nuts cause they are attatched to the firewall and can be heard real loud inside the car. They have constant tick regardless of rmp-s and tick at some rmp-s only. when I lift the hood and listen to it in front of the car while engine is running I almost dont hear it but inside it is killing me!

 

[Tom Sawyer]

But we don't know which particular one this could be? I don't think my A/C compressor is going out because it works just as well as ever. Anyone else replace this bastard in their car?

Tom

 

[leet]

Yes Tom, it ticked when the AC was off. It was quieter when I turned it on, It would not work very well though. Easy test to check: Pull your AC belt and drive around. If it still ticks, it is not your compressor!

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Wow, I definitely should've done that before. Captain Obvious actually came to my rescue once, maybe I'll have to stop making so much of my friends when they say obvious shit . If that doesn't fix it I'll post up again.

Tom