Is this Infamous M20 Tick? Something Else?

[shadowracer]

Its kind of funny I used to believe that the loud ticking was a normal thing, but I found out that my valves were improperly adjusted for a many years, car did run good and strong.

Once I found the correct adjustment, and made the new adjustment it was actually at times hard to tell if the car was running.

[TRAK WDW]

Its kind of funny I used to believe that the loud ticking was a normal thing, but I found out that my valves were improperly adjusted for a many years, car did run good and strong.

Once I found the correct adjustment, and made the new adjustment it was actually at times hard to tell if the car was running.

Hi there, new to the forum. Not trying to threadjack or anything...

I adjusted my M20 valves twice using 0.25mm (0.010in) with the engine cold but still have a similar tick as the OP. Motor runs good and redlines well every so often.

I'm starting to think it could be something else?

[Coupelx]

some noise is normal on a solid lash adjuster setup such as the m20. There's a tiny bit of slack in there.

[BAlbertiX]

If you did any damage to the valve you would have a misfire at that cylinder right away. M20 is known for it's valve guide wear and to me M20 always ticks some are quieter than the other.

It sounds healthy, that ticking is typical, plus idle sounds good.

If this isn't your daily driver, I suggest getting dirty, pulling the head, and refreshing it. Valve guides, valve guides, valve guides. Setting rocker clearances and replacing eccentrics will only get you so far. If the head is stock, the valve stems, tubes, and guides are gritty. Any friction in the stems will translate to a late return of the valve, effectively increasing your set clearance on the backside of the cam lobes, i.e. ticking. Lightly polishing the tubes and replacing the valve stems will help to reduce friction.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Stripping_and_Rebuilding_an_M20_Cylinder_Head

[pbraeckel]

Is it recommended to go less than .010? I have read of it being done before. Mine seems excessively loud to me, but it runs well. I have never heard another e30 to know if this is normal. Sounds like the head is running dry even though I know it is oiling properly.

[3vilE30]

Hmm there's a secondary louder tick. The only ticking there should be is from the injectors, but the secondary tick sounds metallic. You might have worn valve guides as others have stated.

Try using 20w-50 conventional oil if you aren't or 15w-40 diesel oil like Mobil Delvac 1300 to see if it quiets down.

[Skychismo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypSx1G05j1c

this was 3 years ago and it still sounds the same and is running strong

learn to love the tick

Holy shit, that sounds louder than my diesel. I was worried about my E30 and now I'm not.

[goldenbb]

Mine sounds exactly like the one in the video. I just did the whole head refresh thing. I adjusted the valves twice so far. I think I might do another go 'round on it, though because the ticking I hear on mine is probably only one or two that are on the loose side. You can't go too tight because then the valves won't fully close.

[shadowracer]

If you still have a loud tick you may have some of the valve stems cupped, and the eccentrics possibly worn flat.