Today I noticed a ticking sound from the engine of our 99 2.5 Legacy GT with 60K miles on it. It is more noticeable from under the front of the car than from the top of the motor.

 

I've thought it has had an exhaust leak for a long time now but it never sounded like this. Could the lifters be making this sound with so few miles on it?

 

Just trying to get a few thoughts from you all before I take it in.

 

Thanks -------------Dave

but a few other things could cause it too.

No, its its not the piston slap. It does do that too, but it goes away when the motor's warm. This tick does not. Thanks anyway.--Dave

From one side only, or both? My fuel injectors click noticeably, but you wouldn't notice from inside the car....185K miles.

 

Try opening the bonnet, warm engine running, and open the throttle by hand and snap it shut. An exhaust leak should produce a distinct click when the throttle closes.

can also cause a sound that some folks mistake for piston slap.

Of course there are always valve train noises too.

Can I ask a stupid question: did you check your oil???:-\

It's relatively easy to determine whether the clicking is coming from the valve train or crank--just count.

 

At 700 rpm (idle), the engine is turning over at 11-12 times per second. The valve assembly will be half that rate, 5 or six times per second.

 

Simply count the clicks for two seconds. If you can't keep up, it's crank related. If you're able to keep up, it's probably cam related. My 95 has a valve lash adjuster that loves to click.

 

jim