The simplest steps to address car valve noise

[MacDamian]

At this point, you need to remove the cylinder head, grind the valves, check the valve spring tension, and readjust the valve clearance. If the lock nut on the adjusting screw is loose, it should be securely tightened, and severely worn components should be replaced.

[McJuliana]

While driving, I heard a clicking sound from the engine and realized it might be valve noise, which is usually caused by excessive valve clearance or insufficient oil. The simplest way to address this is: first, let the car cool down for a few minutes, then open the hood to listen for the source of the noise and confirm it. Check the oil dipstick to see if the oil level is low or the oil is dirty, and try adding some high-quality oil—sometimes this can resolve the noise. If the noise persists, the valve clearance needs to be adjusted: use a wrench to loosen the cover, locate the valve tappet, and rotate the adjustment screw to reduce the clearance to the manufacturer's recommended value (usually found in the manual), then tighten it. Be careful throughout the process to avoid damaging any components. Ignoring valve noise for too long can wear out engine parts and increase fuel consumption, so beginners shouldn’t delay. If you’re unsure, it’s worth spending some money to visit a repair shop—they’re professional and efficient. Regularly checking the oil before driving can help prevent this issue.

[VonAliyah]

I've fixed valve ticking issues on many older cars, and the steps are super simple: Start the car and listen to pinpoint the ticking location, confirming it's the valves. Turn off the engine and check the oil level—if it's low, top it up with the same specification oil and see if that helps. If the oil is old or degraded, change to fresh oil. If the noise persists, manually adjust the valve clearance: Use a wrench to open the valve cover and adjust the screw clearance to the recommended specification (e.g., around 0.2mm) as per the vehicle's manual. After adjustment, test by starting the engine a few times to check the result. Don’t forget to inspect other potential engine issues like loose belts or faulty spark plugs, as these can also contribute to noise. Safety first—if you're not familiar with the process, get help from a professional mechanic. They have the tools to diagnose quickly, saving time and preventing bigger problems.