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Wicked valve train ticking sound

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    #1

    Wicked valve train ticking sound

    Well, after I started running my car again about a week ago I have had a terrible ticking sound from what seems to be my valve train. I have adjusted the valves 3 or 4 times now, and each time I did it there was no change. I tried different specs as well. Right now its set at .010. The car runs perfectly fine. I replaced the spark plugs as well. My old ones, and the ones before (about a year ago) all looked like the car is running lean. Could that be part of the problem? It doesn't sound like detonation, its more of a metal on metal ticking sound. Could my timing belt be off or something?

    EDIT: The sound is there whether or not the car is warm or cold, and its at all the RPM's past idle. Partial or full throttle, doesn't matter.

    RISING EDGE
    Let's drive fast and have fun.
    Tags: None
    #2
    The next thing you can try is removing the valve cover and pouring oil on the valves while the motor is running. If they quiet down then its not very serious. If not, (and this seems odd since you have low miles) then there are a few possibilities. It could be the valve hitting the top of the piston. This happened on my car. The cause is a weak valve spring, but again, does not seem feasable. Your timing theory could be correct as funky timing could make the valve hit piston but it seems to me that the car would run horrible. Is there any way that it could have gotten off?

    Im not sure how to set the timing on the m20s, so maybe someone else will chime in. Do you have the headers on yet? Are you exhaust manifold gaskets all in good shape? If you havent retorqued the bolts go for it. I couldnt feel any leaking when my gaskets blew, but 3 of 6 of them went and it made a funky sound. Just a thought.
    Old and improved:

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      #3
      If your car was running lean, then it would have good low end but on top you'll notice definately a very big power lost, I mean to the point where car doesn't pull, especially in top 4th/5th gear!

      All my M20s made ticking noises, and even my turbo one makes it, adjusted the valves many times but it's still there, so I think it's normal, I could be wrong though.

      :)
      95' M3.
      90' 325i Turboed.
      87' 325eS Fixed.

      Comment

        #4
        My old 325i made the same ticking noise and it was fine. But I never owned the car when or if it did not make the noises.
        - 318is 4 life

        Comment

          #5
          I have discovered the problem with this!





























          It's an M20 :P
          -Ted

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by SlammedE30
            I have discovered the problem with this!

            It's an M20 :P
            -Ted
            BimmerHeads
            Classic BMW Specialists
            Santa Clarita, CA
            www.BimmerHeads.com

            Comment

              #7
              You sure it's not the injectors? Take a screwdriver and put the metal part on an injector and put your ear to the handle. Those bastards can be pretty loud.

              Comment

                #8
                It could be the injectors. I am going to try the oil thing as well. I just hope all is well for my autocross tomorrow. But if I blow it up I have a spare M20 at home :)

                RISING EDGE
                Let's drive fast and have fun.

                Comment

                  #9
                  Don't mess around too much with adjusting the valves etc, m20s are noisy motors. Check if its the injectors as Bill mentioned.
                  Just make sure you don't over tighten the valves or next thing you know, a rocker arm will break on you :shock:

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Buy a louder exhaust ;)

                    Seriously though, even when the valves are properly adjusted, the m20 is loud. Just accept it. 15w50 seemed to quiet mine down a bit a few years ago.

                    -Charlie
                    Swing wild, brake later, don't apologize.
                    '89 324d, '76 02, '98 318ti, '03 Z4, '07 MCS, '07 F800s - Bonafide BMW elitist prick.
                    FYYFF

                    Comment

                      #11
                      my new engine has zero valve noise. All you hear are the injectors. and I do mean ZERO valve noise
                      Below the radar...

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Originally posted by UNHCLL
                        my new engine has zero valve noise. All you hear are the injectors. and I do mean ZERO valve noise
                        ...temporarily...

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Originally posted by e9nine
                          Originally posted by UNHCLL
                          my new engine has zero valve noise. All you hear are the injectors. and I do mean ZERO valve noise
                          ...temporarily...
                          engine has 130k on it and i didnt adjust the valves before install.

                          I told you, I am special when it comes to e30's..... ;)
                          Below the radar...

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Originally posted by UNHCLL
                            Originally posted by e9nine
                            Originally posted by UNHCLL
                            my new engine has zero valve noise. All you hear are the injectors. and I do mean ZERO valve noise
                            ...temporarily...
                            engine has 130k on it and i didnt adjust the valves before install.

                            I told you, I am special when it comes to e30's..... ;)
                            ..same way you take special classes and need extra attention in school :roll:

                            Comment

                              #15
                              The Special Ed teachers a UNH:



                              ;)
                              [/off-topic chatter]
                              Below the radar...

                              Comment

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