Whats the ticking noise from engine

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johnt0709
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 5:55 pm

Anybody help what is the ticking noise likely to be on a 6cylinder - top end - runs great though - tappets? Any soloutions?
sam325is
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:07 pm

Injectors.
Eddie25
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:07 pm

Definatley most likely to be tappets mate. Even when set correctly they can still sound like a typewriter falling down a flight of stairs.

The 6 cylinder engines can suffer from Injector tick though but I've heard getting them ultra sonically cleaned can improve this.
sam325is
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:08 pm

Eddie25 wrote:The 6 cylinder engines can suffer from Injector tick though but I've heard getting them ultra sonically cleaned can improve this.
Correct!
johnt0709
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:24 pm

Anyway to tell if it is rappers or injectors?
sihooker
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:30 pm

I've heard that a ticking noise on M20's can also be due to a leaking exhaust manifold...
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allstar_07
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:44 pm

johnt0709 wrote:Anyway to tell if it is rappers or injectors?
I've read the test to do is hold the engine at 4k rpm and turn the ignition off. if the noise stops straight away rather then dying down with the revs it's the injectors. This is because they stop as soon as the elec supply is cut off.

Hope that helps.
johnt0709
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:10 pm

Allstar thanks I'll give that a go - makes sense
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allstar_07
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 11:07 pm

How do you fix a noisey rocker then Will?

I adjusted my tappets but that didn't seem to make much difference - well at idle it does but the engine still makes a loud noise when revved. I'm assuming it's the injectors but I haven't done the check above yet.
johnt0709
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Thu Sep 24, 2009 10:27 am

Technical comment here - It is def ticking and not a knocking - nothing sinister will try at the weekend the 4000rpm/ignition off test and update.
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ChemicalAl
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Thu Sep 24, 2009 10:40 am

If its the injectors what are the options (other than ultrasonic cleaning)?
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Thu Sep 24, 2009 1:41 pm

fit new ones
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ChemicalAl
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Thu Sep 24, 2009 2:25 pm

Thought so - how much for the parts and approx cost of labour?
1987 E28 528i Diamond Black 74k
1986 E28 525e Saturn Blau 72k
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1991 E32 730i SE Granite Silber 75k
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1992 E30 318i Touring Diamond Black 43k
1990 E30 325i Touring Alpine White 2 65k
1986 E30
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bilun777
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Thu Sep 24, 2009 3:13 pm

If it's just ticking at idle and drives O.K. drive and enjoy. Simplez :D
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Thu Sep 24, 2009 3:23 pm

Not sure how much new ones cost, the ticking is good - at least you know there working plus i thought the machine gun noise is a characteristic of the m20??

:shoot1:

Have i been mis-sold...
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GT-UK
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Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:05 pm

i got a really sweet chromie last week, loads of dealer history,macahnincally spot on
i actually know know after years of owning e30s what the m20 engine is meant to sound like,
a silky smooth almost silent engine with a low gurgle from the tail pipe,
rather than a skeleton having a w**K in a biscuit tin
changes on a weekley basis
poolnoodle
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Sat Sep 26, 2009 1:18 am

sihooker wrote:I've heard that a ticking noise on M20's can also be due to a leaking exhaust manifold...
+1
I have this issue after eliminating tappets and injectors. Simple fix but arse of a job. Hence not done
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johnt0709
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Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:38 am

GT-UK wrote:i got a really sweet chromie last week, loads of dealer history,macahnincally spot on
i actually know know after years of owning e30s what the m20 engine is meant to sound like,
a silky smooth almost silent engine with a low gurgle from the tail pipe,
rather than a skeleton having a w**K in a biscuit tin
You see this is what im looking for - is this achievable? Or not worth the effort?
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