What is the reason for the continuous rattling sound of the engine?
3 Answers
The reasons for the continuous rattling sound of the engine are: 1. Excessive wear of the cam causing tappet jumping during operation; 2. Impact between the rocker arm head of the overhead valve and the top of the valve; 3. Excessive carbon buildup in the valve guide; 4. Detachment of the valve spring seat; 5. Damage to the hydraulic tappet or tappet cylinder; 6. Aging or loosening of the engine mount rubber. The maintenance methods for car engines are: 1. Regularly change the oil and filter; 2. Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade; 3. Regularly clean the radiator; 4. Regularly clean the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter; 5. Maintain good ventilation in the crankcase and clean it regularly; 6. Regularly clean the fuel system.
Last time my car made the same ticking noise, it turned out to be excessive valve clearance. Very common in older cars, especially those with over 100,000 kilometers. When metal parts wear out, the gap increases, and the push rods knocking will produce this rhythmic sound. Most noticeable during cold starts, it may lessen when warmed up but won't disappear. I suggest adjusting the clearance as soon as possible, otherwise it might wear grooves into the rocker arm shaft, and repairs will be much more expensive then. Also, check the hydraulic lifters; if they're stuck, they can also cause ticking sounds—a mechanic can pinpoint the location with a stethoscope. Lastly, remember to check the timing chain; if it's stretched, it can produce similar noises. My neighbor's car had its chain wear through the cylinder block, costing over 8,000 yuan for a major repair.
Sounds like it's coming from the valve cover? I've encountered quite a few similar cases when repairing cars. First, rule out engine oil issues—if the viscosity is too low or the oil level is insufficient, the hydraulic lifters won't get enough oil, causing noise. Last time, after changing the oil on an Audi, it immediately quieted down. A faulty belt tensioner pulley bearing can also produce a ticking sound, with the frequency changing with RPM. There's also the sound of fuel injectors working, which is especially noticeable in diesel cars and is normal. If it's excessively loud in a gasoline car, it might indicate worn needle valves. The most concerning scenario is loose connecting rod bearings—this produces a dull, vibrating sound, and the engine should be shut off immediately. For a quick check, pull the dipstick when the engine is cold; if there are metal shavings, it's dangerous. I recommend recording a video and showing it to a repair shop—they can usually diagnose the issue with about 70-80% accuracy just by listening.