Knocking

POPPYSBOO

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

My engine is knocking, oil light is coming on, oil is thin, but car is not overheating. What's wrong

Saturday, February 5th, 2011 AT 8:24 PM

5 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Slower knocking not rapid tapping/ticking would indicate a bearing clearance on the crankshaft is out of spec or not getting enough oil. What weight of oil are you using and is it clean? How loud is the knocking? When did it start? If it's not really loud and sharp you might try a heavier oil or an additive like lucas oil stabilizer.

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Saturday, February 5th, 2011 AT 8:34 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge, could mean oil pump and engine bearings

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Saturday, February 5th, 2011 AT 8:35 PM

POPPYSBOO

MEMBER
4 POSTS

It's rapid. Kind of sounds like the sound a card makes when put between the spokes of a bike tire. Mostly hear it on acceleration. I am using 10 40 oil. I added a quart of oil and drove it down the road a bit. The sound improved some, but then the oil light came on again. When I got back home there was oil on the engine, which hadn't happened prior to adding the oil.

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Saturday, February 5th, 2011 AT 8:37 PM

POPPYSBOO

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Also, sound is at the top of the motor and the oil appears to be coming from the valve cover.

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Saturday, February 5th, 2011 AT 8:42 PM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

When does the oil light come on? At idle or while engine rpms are higher than idle like when you are driving, not stopped. When did this problem start? If the noise is louder on acceleration that point to crank/rod/piston knock. What does your oil level say? How bad is the leak?