Is Engine Valve Noise Related to Engine Oil?
4 Answers
Engine valve noise is related to engine oil. The following are the reasons for engine valve noise: 1. Insufficient engine oil. When the engine oil level is insufficient, the oil level drops to a certain extent, allowing air to enter the hydraulic lifters through the oil passages, creating gaps and causing valve noise. 2. Air entering the oil passages during an oil change. When draining the oil, the oil in the passages is emptied, and air enters the passages. When starting the engine, this air may enter the hydraulic lifters, causing valve noise. In this case, after the engine runs normally for a while, the air will be expelled, and the valve noise will automatically disappear. 3. Sludge or carbon deposits in the oil passages. When sludge forms in the engine, it can clog the oil passages, causing the automatic gap adjustment function of the hydraulic lifters to fail, resulting in valve noise. 4. Incorrect oil viscosity selection. When the engine is severely worn, using oil with a low viscosity (e.g., 20 or 30 viscosity oil) can also cause valve noise. In such cases, switching to a higher viscosity oil (e.g., 40 or 50 viscosity oil) can eliminate the valve noise.
As a long-time engine repair technician, I've seen many cases of engine valve noise, which is indeed closely related to engine oil. Oil is crucial for lubricating the valve system. If the oil level is insufficient or low-quality, low-viscosity oil is used, the valve lifters and rocker arms won't be properly lubricated, leading to increased clearance and that characteristic clicking sound. Especially after prolonged use, as the oil degrades and thins, valve components wear faster, making the noise more noticeable. I recommend regularly checking the dipstick to ensure the oil level stays between min and max, using the correct viscosity like 5W-30 or 10W-40, and avoiding cheap, low-quality oil to save money. Check the oil level monthly and change the oil every 5,000 kilometers to prevent 80% of valve noise issues. During routine maintenance, pay attention to changes in the oil's color and smell—if anything seems off, get it fixed at a shop immediately to avoid bigger problems.
As a seasoned driver with 10 years of experience, I must say valve noise is closely related to engine oil. My own old car had this issue too - the noise kept getting louder, and upon inspection, the oil level had dropped below the minimum mark. After topping up, it became noticeably quieter. Engine oil is responsible for lubricating valve components. If the oil quality is poor or the viscosity isn't suitable, it can't form a proper oil film, leading to increased friction between parts, more wear, and consequently noise. I recommend car owners not skimp on maintenance - always use oil that meets specifications and don't exceed the recommended mileage before changing. Checking is simple: after warming up the engine, wait 10 minutes and check if the oil level is normal. If the oil appears thin or has a burnt smell, it's time for a change. Adding an oil additive during regular maintenance can also improve lubrication and reduce valve issues. Proper oil maintenance can extend the overall engine lifespan.
From my experience, valve noise is definitely related to engine oil. Insufficient lubrication from the oil causes increased clearance, leading to more noise. Using the right viscosity and changing the oil regularly is crucial to prevent dry engine friction.
