loud clicking noise when i start and even more when i acclerate

[BoneKrusher]

I think it might be a lifter hitting somewhere in my valve cover. If i accelerate the sound of clicking goes faster if i decelerate it slows down but the noise is really loud. I just had my oil changed and my X has over 210,000 miles on her. Is it possible some gunk got into the lifter? I really don't have a clue! Some people told me to get a thicker oil and ( it already takes a 5w30) put in synthetic and add some oil treatment. I need to save money and how hard is it to change the lifters on a 2002 X? it sounds like it's coming from the left side valve cover as if if i was sitting in the drivers seat and also as i'm looking over the engine from in front of the hood. I'm looking to save as much money as possible and just patch up this problem in till the beginning of next year and get me a new X. PLEASE HELP! Also is there a valve adjustment screw on 2002 X's?

 

[matt0248]

Which Engine? 4.6L V8 or 4.0L V6

 

[BoneKrusher]

4.0L v6

 

[matt0248]

These engines have terrible timing chain and chain tensioner issues. There are a ton of threads on here about it.

 

[BoneKrusher]

If i take the serpentine belt off and the clicking noise stops would that indicate that the tensioner is bad?

 

[matt0248]

NO, the serpentine belt only drives the accessories, Alt, Water pump, AC and Power Steering. The Timing Chains are behind timing covers and under the valve covers. You may be in luck because you said the noise seems to come from the drivers side of the engine. All the timing chains, guides, and tensioner can be accessed from the front of the engine. If it were the passenger side of the engine all the timing gear is on the back of the engine and usually means tha tthe entire engine needs to come out of the truck.

 

[BoneKrusher]

If the timing chain is off would that make a clicking noise when i accelerate? All my gauges are fine and check engine has not came on at all. If there was valve tapping would the check engine light come on? And also if the gasket has gone bad by the valve cover would that create a clicking noise? The only think that i have kind of noticed is that it seems like my horsepower is down. But i haven't been pushing my X to much because i'm scared i might do more damage. And i just recently had an oil change would some gunk possibly got caught up into the reservoir and the lifter are not working properly? Thx for the help!

 

[matt0248]

The noise is most likely the chain slapping the covers because the tensioner and/or guides are damaged. remove the valve cover and visually inspect. Do a search there are many threads about the timing chaing tensioner and guides here with good pics.

 

[jelkins]

im kinda new to this all but i got a 91 ex xlt and it has a clicking noise but i know its the a/c compressor dont know why it does it, it still works but any way if you have your a/c on when its clicking try turning it off and see if there is any change in sound, on mine it usually stops when i shut the a/c off hope that helps