What Causes the Ticking Sound in the Engine After an Oil Change?
2 Answers
The reasons for the ticking sound in the engine after an oil change are: 1. The viscosity of the replaced oil is inappropriate, and switching to a high-quality oil of the correct specification can resolve the issue; 2. Starting the engine when it's cold—if the sound persists, it may indicate excessive valve clearance or oil leakage at the camshaft, requiring valve clearance adjustment or replacement of related oil seals. The functions of engine oil include: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Cooling and lowering temperature; 3. Cleaning and removing contaminants; 4. Dampening vibrations; 5. Preventing rust and corrosion. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the shortcomings of the base oil's performance.
I've encountered many cases of ticking noises after an oil change, with common causes being insufficient oil level or incorrect oil type. Right after an oil change, if the oil level is too low, inadequate lubrication inside the engine can cause the valve components or hydraulic lifters to produce ticking sounds due to metal friction. Another possibility is that the old oil wasn't fully drained, or the new oil is too thin with insufficient viscosity, leading to unstable oil pressure. Sometimes, careless workshop practices like incomplete oil draining before adding new oil can leave contaminants that cause abnormal noises. I personally perform a quick dipstick check to ensure the oil level is at the midpoint mark. If that's fine, it's worth checking whether air has entered the hydraulic lifters, requiring a re-bleed. Persistent ticking can affect engine longevity—don't wait; get it professionally checked promptly to avoid part damage and increased repair costs. Choosing genuine oil and reliable technicians during maintenance is crucial.
