Showing articles & questions for topic
tapping noise

Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to offer my insight. It seems that the oil pump lost its prime when it drained for 8 hours with the oil filter off. I recommend removing the oil filter and filling...

Hello. If this noise is coming from the starter and it has been occurring ever since installing the starter then first make sure that the starter is securely mounted. If it is then it may not be fully engaging or...

Hello. If you are getting this light and noise then you have low oil pressure. I would drain the oil and change the filter as it is possible that you got a bad oil filter. If the problem persists then...

Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having engine issues, or it may be having wheel/suspension issues. The first thing to determine is if the noise occurs as long as the car is on, or if it...

Hi there. The noise could be from the lifters not filling up with engine oil until the engine is warm or the pistons have too much clearance causing a condition called "piston slap". Check to see what brand of engine...

Hi there - your engine, like many others, uses an oil-pressure operated mechanism, sometimes called a cam phaser, to vary the camshaft timing (aka variable valve timing). This mechanism delivers additional power and fuel economy for more recent engine designs....

The lifter is not too much of a problem, but it could be costly to replace if you are having a technician replace it. You can try changing the engine oil and filter and running a oil treatment in the...

Hi there. The sound that you provided for the tapping noise sounds as if your engine is dieseling when operating. This is a noise that occurs when the engine is either running too hot or has too much carbon on...

Hi there - engine tapping noises (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/engine-makes-tapping-sound) under load are usually connecting rod bearing problems, although it is possible that it's just a weak valve lifter. Hard to say without hearing it. If you have a sound byte to pass...

Hi there. When operating an engine without any oil in the oil sump (oil pan), then the bearings, rings, valves, and lifters will starve of lubrication and begin to tap and knock. The lifters were closed up causing the valves...

In most cases a loud low thumping noise is an indication an engine main crankshaft bearing has gone bad or you are losing oil pressure in the engine. I recommend not driving the vehicle and contact a mobile mechanic like...

Hello, thank you for writing in. With check engine lights on, the first step is always scanning the vehicle for codes. These help direct your attention and ease diagnostics. The main concern is that the engine is making a loud...

Hello, thank you for writing in. When dealing with these types of situations, start with the simplest possibilities, and work your way up in complexity. Start by having the tires balanced. Make sure you have not lost a wheel weight,...

Hello, thank you for writing in. The noise you are hearing may be a result of a wheel bearing or a shock issue. There are several tests that can be done while the vehicle is parked, and some while it...

Hi there - no, a tapping valve lifter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-inspect-valve-clearance-adjustment-by-robert-kulp) won't cause direct damage per se, but will run less efficiently (on that cylinder) while clearance is excessive and tapping occurs. Since the lifters are adjustable, you would certainly want to...

The lifter is tapping as either the oil pressure to the lifter has dropped or the lifter is sticking from old sludge build up from the mileage. Try changing the engine oil and filter and see if the lifter noise...

Hi there - when the oil is changed, the first start-up afterward causes a real surge in oil pressure (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/oil-relief-valve-issue-shortly-after-oil-was-changed-by-bethany-t), enough so that the oil pressure relief valve is activated, and sticks open. (This is nothing the oil change people...

Hi there. Depending on the sound of the knocking noise and where the noise is coming from on the engine will determine if the engine needs replaced or not. If the noise is near the top of the engine, then...

Hello, thank you for writing in. You will want to do a full inspection of the steering and suspension components. The CV joints can get damaged from sudden impacts such as you described. The axles, hubs, and steering components can...

Occasionally, belt driven accessories are the source of noise so you can try to isolate all belt driven components by removing the serpentine belt and briefly run the engine. If the noise remains, a common source of tapping is the...