Engine ticking noise - intermittent Options

[rocketcost]

Hi everyone,

After looking through a great many threads and posts, I haven't come across any definitive answers to the illusive "ticking under the valve cover" problem.

I have similar situations to others: Oil got to the low point on the dip stick, however, it was never too low as to not register - In my defence, I was about 1000 kms below my next oil change. Shame on me for not checking more often tho

I'm posting here now because the ticking comes and goes, without any sign, rhyme or reason. The best clue I have is it sometimes happens when the car is at it's hottest state after a reasonable drive on a mild day.

Any ideas? I can assure you all that I have confirmed that I am not hearing the injectors. Those guys ALWAYS tick (as they should).

Thanks for any input you might have!

[slavie]

I'm going to assume you're talking about GT celica with 2.2l 5SFE engine. These engines tick, especially when the engine is at operating temps after a long drive - hot oil is a bit thinner. Ticking is most pronounced on the front of the engine by the timing cover. Nothing wrong with that that I've been able to find. Drove me nuts, so I checked and re-checked the valve clearances, measured camshaft diameter and bearing clearances, compression test, new valve stem seals and measured all valve springs, etc. All normal, no wear on cam loves, everything runs great, engine ticks. Never got the oil pressure light. They just tick, what can I tell you.