Ticking-sorta- noise when cold

[eppoh]

On both my 97 and 98 Legacy wagons (2.2l) there is a noise after starting a cold engine. It is like a tick, but sounds like something plastic- more like a pocka pocka pocka - okay don't laugh.

 

Searched all the threads on ticking, but this is not fast enough to be lifter tick., With the engine at idle, is sounds like only once per revolution.

 

Both cars have 150 - 170,000 miles and have been properly maintained- as far I can tell. Don't know if the lash has been checked lately.

 

Been doing this for a year at least, and never worried about it. Goes away after about 3 or 4 minutes driving.

 

Do I need to be concerned about it?

[Rooster2]

I have an Outback that does that, but I am not concerned about it. I don't think it is valves or bearing knock, prolly most likely some "piston slap," which doesn't cause problems.

[EVOthis]

+1^...as long as the noise goes away when the vehicle is fully warm I wouldnt be to concerned...

[idosubaru]

i would search for piston slap and see if that's what you're experience.

 

other causes of ticking noises are failing timing tensioners, and will cause no other issues.

 

oil pumps can cause noises too from what I've "heard" but i've never *seen* it before so not sure. doubt that's it though.

[logic23]

Its the hydraulic lifters in the heads. When the oil is cold they don't pump up correctly causing excessive valve lash. on 2.2 the lifters are in teh rocker arm and are easy to swap out.

[johnceggleston]

i thought 96 was the last year for HLAs???

[nipper]

Piston slap.

 

 

Nothing to worry about really unless it never goes away.

 

 

nipper

[lewisd]

my 99 2.2 does the same sound and quiets down as it warms up . no problems, well other than that dang intermittent stumbling issue. :-\

[WoodsWagon]

Piston slap.

 

 

Nothing to worry about really unless it never goes away.

 

 

nipper

And even then it's really nothing to worry about. My mom's 98 2.5l has been tapping loud, all the time, and has lasted 163k, 50k that we've had it. You can hear it coming, tak tak tak. Never goes away, runs fine and gets mid 20's for gas milage.

 

We got the car with horrendously blown head gaskets, like as much exhaust out the radiator as the tailpipe. You could hear it breath through the radiator as you cranked it. If I had known how bad the pistons were I would have replaced them when I had the heads off. Hasn't seemed to be a problem though, more of an annoyance.