What Causes Valve Noise and How to Eliminate It?

[Parra]

Excessive valve clearance can be resolved by simply adjusting the valve clearance. In cases of camshaft or valve lifter wear, replacement of the camshaft or valve lifter is necessary. If the engine oil viscosity is too high, simply switch to an oil with lower viscosity. If the oil level is insufficient, it should be topped up.

[DelArya]

When I previously encountered valve ticking, it was that kind of crisp tapping sound, especially noticeable after the engine warmed up. The most common cause is excessive valve clearance. Long-term driving wear can loosen the adjustment screws, requiring readjustment to standard values using a feeler gauge. It could also be a faulty hydraulic lifter, where oil can't enter, causing the lifter to spin freely and produce noise—in this case, a new lifter needs to be installed. Additionally, oil that's too thin or unstable oil pressure can worsen valve ticking. I recommend first checking the oil level and quality—top it up if low, or change it if dirty. If the valve stem and guide are severely worn, the entire valve mechanism may need servicing or replacement. Don't delay on this; louder noises indicate worse wear, so it's best to visit a repair shop for a thorough inspection and fix as soon as possible.