Clicking noise, not valves...what is it???

brad4043

New member
I have a distinct clicking noise coming from the engine of my 97 runner(3.4L). It sounds like from the valve/camshaft area. From researching the topic I found that the most likely cause was my valves needed adjusting. Just got done replacing all my shims that were out of spec. Got it all together and the same clicking noise is still there. I know it is not the lifters because I checked all those as well. Who has experience with this? What else could be causing this clicking noise? Btw the clicking is most distinct when at idle, still noticeable but much less distinct when given a little gas, and not noticeable at speeds over 40 mph. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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Yep I replaced the spark plugs at the same time I did the valve adjustment and torqued all of them. So that shouldnt be the problem either.
 
I bet it's a leak in the exhaust manifold. My trucks doing the same thing and just haven't gotten around to getting it fixed.
 
hmm exhaust manifold...I will have to check that out sometime in the near future, the clicking noise is getting on my nerves!
 
Possibly injectors if they are gummed up or just plain old.

How hard was that valve adjustment? Did you do it with the cams in or out?
 
I have a distinct clicking noise coming from the engine of my 97 runner(3.4L). It sounds like from the valve/camshaft area. From researching the topic I found that the most likely cause was my valves needed adjusting. Just got done replacing all my shims that were out of spec. Got it all together and the same clicking noise is still there. I know it is not the lifters because I checked all those as well. Who has experience with this? What else could be causing this clicking noise? Btw the clicking is most distinct when at idle, still noticeable but much less distinct when given a little gas, and not noticeable at speeds over 40 mph. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Does the speed of the clicking increase with RPM?
 
Honestly the valve adjustment was not too difficult if you have the right tools found here. I heard others saying that it was not possible to do without taking the cams out but that was not the case at all for me.
 
Is the ticking specifically in one area? Check your oil level. An engine low on oil will tick.
 
my clicking at idle lasted about 6 months ... then after a road trip ~350 highway miles, it idled rough and threw a code (#3 misfire). i pulled #3 plug and the ground for the electrode was completely gone. replaced all plugs, idled perfect, and clicking was gone for good.
 
i had a clicking noise - only when in gear. I finally realized that my K&N cold air intake was look and the bolt was rattling against the engine bay.

:hatsoff:
 
My 2000 3.4 ticks, sounds like a sewing machine when your going down the highway at cruising speeds, have no clue what it is???
 
Mine has the same tick. Just rebuilt the engine looking for the noise.

Didn’t find anything. New rings and bearings.


Has anyone figured this out ???
 
Woah, old thread!!

Among many other things, like a leaking manifold, or a valve that's out of adjustment, I think the most concerning ticking issue could be a loose spark plug. I thought for months that I just had an exhaust leak. I was so wrong, and I didn't realize the true issue until my #6 spark plug blew out and I ended up having to helicoil the cylinder and replace the coil pack. Immediately after the fix the ticking was gone and has yet to return.

Checking the spark plug torque (13 ft/lb if I remember correctly) is the cheapest insurance when you have a ticking noise IMO.

Posting a video of the noise might also help.
 

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