Ticking, Clicking, Knocking? 3 Engine Noises to Investigate

February 4, 2021

Cold weather and car parts don't always get along very well. During winter, you may hear strange noises coming from under the hood or even see the dreaded check engine light turn on. But take a closer listen. Are you hearing a ticking noise in the engine? Maybe its more of a knocking noise. No matter what sound it is, a ticking, clicking, or knocking noise coming from your Nissan engine means its time to investigate!

Ticking or Clicking Noise in Engine

As far as engines are concerned, any mysterious ticking or clicking noises are usually created by the same problem.

One of the most common sources of a ticking or clicking noise in the engine is in the valvetrain. The valvetrain includes all the parts necessary to control the intake and expulsion of gases in the engines combustion chamber. If the ticking noise is coming from the valvetrain, the usual culprit is the tappets, also called valve lifters.

Problem With the Engine Tappets

The job of the tappets is to initiate the opening and closing of the engine valves. To do this, the tappets must maintain a precise distance between the camshaft and rocker arms. Without proper maintenance, however, the tappets may begin to make sounds after they are lifted and dropped by the cam lobes ‐ this is the source of the ticking or clicking noise you hear.

When the tappets are making direct contact with the cam lobes like this, the reason is most likely poor lubrication. Poor lubrication can mean low engine oil, dirty engine oil, or low oil pressure. If there isn't enough engine oil to properly lubricate the parts, or if the existing oil has started to thicken with age and grime, the camshaft lobes and tappets become worn down enough that they create an audible noise on contact.

Problem With the Timing Chain

Engine tapping may also be the result of your vehicles timing chain ticking or clicking. This timing chain issue may happen if you're using the wrong oil in your engine. What's more, the wrong oil filter may be altering the engine oil pressure which can cause your timing chain to click or tick as it rotates.

How to Stop the Ticking Noise in Your Engine

Direct metal-on-metal contact between moving engine parts is usually a recipe for damaged components and expensive repair bills. If you hear a ticking or clicking noise, its best to fix the situation right away to avoid engine damage or a loss of power or efficiency.

1. Get a manufacturer-recommended oil change.

If the problem is caused by old or incorrect engine oil, then performing an oil change should eliminate the ticking noise coming from your engine. Additionally, ensure you are using a Nissan-recommended oil filter to properly pressurize the engine oil.

2. Get your timing chain inspected.

When your vehicles timing chain is loose, faulty, not properly lubricated, or your oil pressure is off, it can cause an annoying ticking sound. Timing chains are often difficult to access and require removing several other parts in order to perform maintenance. Its best to avoid DIY maintenance on your timing chain and have it inspected and serviced by a professional.

Knocking Noise in Engine

If you're hearing a knocking noise coming from under the hood when the engine is under load, it may mean your engine is no longer running smoothly and could be damaging itself. Engine knocks or "pings" occur when part of the air-fuel mixture in an engine cylinder prematurely ignites during the combustion process.

When the engine is running smoothly, the air-fuel mixture combusts all at once and the exhaust gases are funneled out. When you hear engine knocking, however, it likely means the air-fuel mixture is combusting in uneven pockets within the cylinder.

How to Stop the Knocking Noise in Your Engine

Three of the most common combustion-related causes include low octane fuel, carbon buildup in the cylinders, and incorrect spark plugs.

1. Use higher-octane fuel.

Low-octane fuel is more susceptible to combustion because it ignites at lower pressures and temperatures than higher octane fuel. A fuels octane rating is a measure of its "anti-knocking" capabilities ‐ in other words, how resistant it is to detonation once added to the air-fuel mixture. Therefore, one way to help prevent knocking is to use a higher-octane fuel. Always check your owners manual to ensure your Nissan is capable of handling higher-octane fuels.

2. Remove carbon buildup in your engine.

Whether its gasoline or diesel, combustion fuel contains a lot of carbon. When the fuel mixes with air and burns, the resulting exhaust gases leave behind carbon residue inside the cylinders and on valves, spark plugs, and pistons.

Over time, carbon buildup can reduce the overall volume inside engine cylinders. And less space in the cylinder means it has a higher compression, which can lead to premature ignition and knocking. Help get rid of carbon buildup by using a Nissan-approved fuel injector cleaner.

3. Use manufacturer-recommended spark plugs.

Using spark plugs that aren't right for your Nissan could cause engine knocking. Spark plugs are the ignition source for the air-fuel mixture inside your engines cylinders.

Spark plugs detonate the mixture by creating a small spark inside the gap between the end of the plug and a grounding electrode. However, if the spark plug gap is too big, the resulting spark may cause rapid misfires or there may not even be a spark at all. Additionally, the gap may be too small to create a spark strong enough to cause detonation.

All of this adds up to poor combustion conditions that may only increase the likelihood of knocking. Ensure your spark plugs aren't contributing to your engine knocking by using manufacturer-recommended spark plugs like the ones listed in your Nissan owners manual.

Of course, these are not the only possible causes for knocking noises in your engine. In fact, its common to misdiagnose the reason for engine knocks. If your engine is knocking, it is best to answer immediately. We recommend bringing your Nissan to your nearest service center for a professional inspection.

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