What could be causing ticking in engine?

CSTAFF25

MEMBER
1997 EAGLE TALON
85,000 MILES

I have heard a few possibilities like lifters, fuel injectors, and electrical arcing. Is there anyway I can pinpoint the issue?

Sunday, July 15th, 2012 AT 6:35 AM

3 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

An experienced ear is what you need, fuel injectors click but not that loud as a rule, an electrical short from high tension ignition will show up as a misfire, proberbly lifters, when did you last get the engine oil changed?

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Sunday, July 15th, 2012 AT 7:23 AM

CSTAFF25

MEMBER
46 POSTS

Just changed the oil yesterday. It has been ticking for a while. I use a website specifically for my car and they mostly say that it is common and you don't have to worry about it, but I want to make sure. I also have an air leak, vacuum I'm assuming. And my car backfires at full throttle only up high in the rpms. I don't know if either one those might contribute to the ticking.

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Sunday, July 15th, 2012 AT 6:56 PM

MHPAUTOS

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31,937 POSTS

They will not, the ticking will proberbly be a lifter failing, it wont let you down in the short term, but the noise will get worse and you can do long term damage to the cam if the clearance gets to big.

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Sunday, July 15th, 2012 AT 10:53 PM