Q: Knocking from the engine

asked by on March 17, 2016

I can hear a strong knocking from my engine. I think it could possibly be a pushrod or rocker arm. The engine idles out with the knocking.

Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Although it is unlikely to be the cause, I would recommend checking your engine oil level. If your oil level is low, the engine will not be lubricated sufficiently enough to function properly and will therefore make knocking sounds as the metal engine parts come in contact with one another. If the oil level is at the specified level, I would recommend having an engine inspection performed by an engine diagnostics professional. It is possible that your engine may have suffered internal damage and may require replacement of valves, camshafts, lifters, and/or other internal engine parts. Only a thorough engine inspection will reveal the true causes of this issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the anti-theft indicator in the dash do?
Your car is equipped with anti-theft system (an immobilizer system, called SecuriLock®). When the system is active, the anti-theft light on the dash should flash slowly. This tells you that the system is on and engaged. It should only flash...
Ticking noise from engine after running with low oil from leaking oil pan.
Depending on the ticking noise will depending on if it is a camshaft follower or a camshaft noise. If your engine was ran without oil you may have low oil pressure at idle and the engine can get noisy if...
Car only start when cold but dies once warm and wont start till complete cold
You may have more than one issue going on here for your 1987 Toyota Celica. The cold starting issue could possibly be caused by a failing fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) or even a temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/egr-temperature-sensor-replacement). Heat increases resistance in electrical...
My car shows the Check Engine Light and DPF lights and coil light on the dashboard. What action should I take?
Hi. The EGR valve needs to be replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/exhaust-gas-recirculation-egr-valve-replacement) and the passages to the EGR need to be cleaned. The EGR location is very tricky to get to so you may need a professional technician (such as one from YourMechanic)...
dash and parking lights flicker on and off after turning off the car
Hi there: I'ts very common for an ignition cylinder to go bad over time and cause inconsistent operation of multiple electrical components including dash and parking lights. The best way to determine whether it's the ignition cylinder or assembly, or...
Jerking reaction when accelerating
This may be related to potentially either a transmission problem such as low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) creating a lack of hydraulic pressure or potentially a bad control solenoid. This may also be related to an engine fuel supply issue such...
Why does my car vibrate when idle?
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve causing your engine idle to fluctuate and eventually stall. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) is a small valve on the engine's intake system...
2004 saab 9-3 linear . glass mirror plate fell off of the passenger side
To request an exact repair quote please click on "Get a Quote" at YourMechanic's door mirror replacement service page (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/door-mirror-replacement). If you desire to attempt the repair yourself, and your existing mirror is not re-usable (that is the glass cannot...
VW Passat won't start
Hi There, This could be related to many different possibilities, but is most likely a bad connection between the battery and the starter relay. The starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement) directs power from the battery to the starter solenoid which then engages...

Related articles

2012 GMC Acadia vs. 2012 Dodge Journey: Which One Should I Buy?
The GMC Acadia is classed as a midsize SUV, which is able to seat between six and seven passengers comfortably. The 2012 Acadia offers three rows of seating, so passengers will feel the roominess that is typical in a true...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Vet
The The best car for a vet to own largely depends on the type of practice he or she has. Large animal vets are probably going to want something that delivers a fair bit of power, and possibly even towing...
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.