How to Solve Loud Valve Noise?
3 Answers
Solutions for loud valve noise include: 1. Remove the cylinder head and grind the valves; 2. Check the tension of the valve springs and adjust the valve clearance; 3. Tighten the lock nuts on the screws; 4. Replace the valve spring basket; 5. When installing the valve seat, ensure the upper end face is aligned with the vehicle body plane. The causes of loud valve noise are: 1. Improper operation or wear of the valve guide bore, causing the valve seat to tilt or the valve clearance to be too small, leading to valve burning and incomplete valve closure; 2. Knocking sound between the valve stem tail and its driving component during engine idle operation; 3. Broken valve spring basket; 4. Valve seat noise, seat ring detachment.
Last time my car's valve noise was particularly loud, causing a buzzing sound while driving. At first, I thought it was due to insufficient engine oil, and after changing to new oil, the noise reduced somewhat. However, the problem wasn’t completely resolved. I looked into it and found that the valve clearance might be too large, so I bought the tools and adjusted it myself: first, warm up the engine and let it cool slightly, then measure the clearance with a feeler gauge according to the manual’s standards, and tighten the screws accordingly. It’s quite simple, but you need to be careful not to over-tighten. If the car is old and the noise persists after adjustment, it might be due to worn valves or a faulty hydraulic lifter, requiring new parts. In short, don’t delay—excessive noise can affect engine performance, and timely action saves money and hassle. For new drivers, I recommend trying an oil change first; if that doesn’t work, consult a professional mechanic—safety first. Regularly checking this during maintenance can prevent issues before they arise.
I'm quite curious about the reasons for loud valve noise. It's usually caused by excessive valve clearance, leading to a metallic knocking sound. Valves are crucial components of the engine, controlling intake and exhaust, and their clearance must be adjusted according to the vehicle's specifications. For cars with hydraulic lifters, noise often occurs if the engine oil is too old or lacks sufficient pressure. For those with solid lifters, simply check the clearance size. If you want to fix it yourself, prepare a set of tools like wrenches and feeler gauges to measure and fine-tune the clearance. Switching to high-quality engine oil is also a good move—better lubrication naturally reduces noise. However, if the noise persists, there might be wear or camshaft issues requiring professional diagnosis. I always like to remind people not to delay engine maintenance. Loud noise isn't just annoying; it also increases fuel consumption and emissions. Choosing the right oil and regular checks can extend engine life.
