A ticking or rattling noise in the engine is a common problem, usually caused by the valves. It does not sound good, and it usually is not. Costs can also rise significantly if nothing is done about it.
In this blog, we take a closer look at what valves do, the different types of valves, whether a ticking or rattling noise is harmful, how to prevent ticking valves and what the solution can be.
What do valves do?
Combustion engines have intake and exhaust valves. These valves are mounted in the cylinder head and are opened and closed by a camshaft.
The intake valves draw in the fuel mixture, after which the exhaust gases are discharged through the exhaust valves.
It is important that the valves function properly. If the valves do not open and close at the right time, combustion will not be optimal.
Two types of valves
Sometimes you may hear a ticking or rattling noise in your car. In most cases, this ticking noise is caused by a valve-related problem. Ticking valves are especially noticeable when the engine is idling.
The ticking noise in the engine will increase when you drive faster or when the engine speed increases. In a properly running engine, you will hardly hear the valves ticking, if at all.
There are two common ways of operating valves: manually adjustable valves and hydraulically operated valves. Both can cause a ticking sound under the bonnet.
A ticking noise from adjustable valves is usually a matter of adjusting the valves, which is a straightforward job for any mechanic.
A ticking noise from hydraulically operated valves is often caused by contamination or too little engine oil. Hydraulic valves are controlled by oil pressure. When hydraulic valves start ticking, the first recommendation is to check the oil level.
If the oil level is correct, the problem may be contamination in the hydraulic lifters. Replacing them is often the solution, but that can be quite expensive.
If the problem is related to contamination, a cheaper solution is available.
Is a rattling or ticking noise harmful?
Driving for too long with a rattling or ticking noise caused by hydraulic lifters does not necessarily have to be harmful at first, provided the oil level is correct.
However, it is not always certain that the noise is coming from the lifters. We therefore always recommend going to a garage to check where the sound is coming from.
If the noise is not caused by the lifters, it may be related to the timing belt or bearings inside the engine. In that case, continuing to drive is not advisable.
Preventing ticking valves
Before we move on to the solution for a rattling noise in your car, it is useful to know how to prevent the issue in the future and keep the engine in good overall condition.
The greatest wear occurs during a cold start. During a cold start, the engine oil has drained back into the oil sump. It always takes a moment before the oil has fully circulated through the engine. This means lubrication is temporarily lacking and metal-to-metal contact can occur.
Adding Lindemann Engine Performance Treatment helps prevent this. The Teflon particles are responsible for this, because they settle on all moving components and help prevent metal-to-metal contact.
Lindemann Engine Performance Treatment also helps the engine operate more efficiently. Because Teflon creates even less friction than oil, the engine experiences less resistance. This means the engine needs less energy, or fuel, to do its job.
The benefit can be noticeable immediately, because the car may become more economical and have more effective power.
Finally, Engine Performance Treatment also has cleaning properties and helps prevent contamination. The oily vapours that cause contamination do not settle on the Teflon layer created by adding the product.
Because of this cleaning effect, the product can also be used correctively. More on that below.
The solution for ticking valves
Contamination is often the cause of rattling valve noise, especially with hydraulic lifters. As mentioned earlier, valves are operated by a camshaft.
The connection between the camshaft lobe and the valve is made by the rocker arm in manually adjustable valve systems and by a lifter in hydraulic valve systems. This lifter is filled with oil.
If contamination in the oil supply channel prevents the lifter from filling quickly enough, it will start ticking because the clearance is no longer optimal.
To remove this contamination, we offer two solutions. First, Lindemann Oil System Cleaner was developed to clean the oil channels again. However, when using this product, you also need to replace the oil filter and engine oil. If an oil change is already planned soon, we recommend using Oil System Cleaner.
If an oil change is not planned in the short term, we have another product that cleans the lifters. Lindemann Engine Performance Treatment can be used not only preventively, but also correctively for ticking hydraulic lifters.
Conclusion: it is possible to clean hydraulic lifters with an additive.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do about ticking valves?
When hydraulic valves start ticking, the first recommendation is to check the oil level. If the oil level is correct, the problem may be contamination in the hydraulic lifters.
Replacement is an option, but it is fairly expensive. A cheaper and often very effective option is cleaning with an additive. This can be done with a mild cleaner, so you do not need to change the oil afterwards. You can also use a strong cleaner and perform an oil change immediately afterwards.
What do valves do?
Combustion engines have intake and exhaust valves. These valves are mounted in the cylinder head and are opened and closed by a camshaft. The intake valves draw in the fuel mixture, and the exhaust gases are discharged through the exhaust valves.
Is a rattling or ticking noise harmful?
Driving for too long with a rattling or ticking noise caused by hydraulic lifters does not necessarily have to be harmful at first, provided the oil level is correct.
However, it is not always certain that the noise is coming from the lifters. We therefore always recommend going to a garage to check where the sound is coming from.
If the noise is not caused by the lifters, it may be related to the timing belt or bearings inside the engine. In that case, continuing to drive is not advisable.
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