Hydraulic Valve Adjusters or Something Else?

Benhk · Post by **Benhk** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 12:20 pm

Hi Guys,

The engine of my e89 23i (year 2009) has a permanent ''ticking sound'' regardless if the engine is cold/warm etc. From the research I've done so far people point out to the hydraulic valve adjusters / cylinder head / oil. The oil was replaced two weeks ago, however, the ticking sound was there before but I suspect it got a bit worse now (maybe it's just me).

Here you have a record of the sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laGlFuj ... Qxx3WJDxW0

Is this a serious issue? Are there any real fixes? Any specialist garages that deal with this? (I live around Manchester, UK).

Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 12:29 pm

Doesn’t sound particularly bad to me, I can hear the injectors...but not abnormally so. How long have you had the car? Has it just started doing this recently? Be nice to know what grade oil they used.

mcbutler · Post by **mcbutler** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 3:15 pm

I had a stuck lifter on my 23i, it did not sound anything like that. The ticking was a lot more pronounced and it was only one lifter, the chances of all 24 going are remote.
Saying that it is quite noisy, how many miles on the engine?

1. If it is a lifter/lifters your first option is an engine flush with oil change to OEM oil, you can buy it from opie oils online for the best UK price.

Lifter snags are often due to the lifter oil gallery being blocked, a flush and new oil can sometimes fix this.

2. You will find people talking about 'priming procedures' especially if the car is unused for a while, personally I think this is bol_ox.

3. If not (make sure you are sitting down now) you are looking at around £1500-£1600 and two days for a good indy to do the work.
They will not change one lifter as its almost impossible to identify which one so all 24 must go.

Just out of interest, when your engine is warm try opening and removing your oil filler cap with the engine running, if its hard to pull off the engine you have breather snags in the valve cover which can cause all sorts of odd noises.

It cost me £50 for the lot, but then again I have a warranty Direct policy...................

Keep us all updated ok.. and keep smiling

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 7:00 pm

My 2009 23i has always made that noise from 29k miles when bought to now at 83k miles.
If you rev the engine and take foot off the accelerator the noise goes away, seems to me as the injectors cut the fuel, then comes back.
I think it's just injector noise. They do seem noisy engines.
Sounds a lot worse on video than in real life.
https://youtu.be/HjlbDA5SLMk

Silverstar · Post by **Silverstar** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 8:37 pm

As others have pointed that doesn't sound like hydraulic lifter ticking to me.

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 9:37 pm

Most N52 engines seem to be prone to ticking sounds - I'm currently on numbers 3 and 4 and they have all done it to some extent. But from what I have read it doesn't seem to be damaging, thankfully.

It seems to happen more when the engines are cold, especially if the car hasn't been used for a few days or has only done short trips.

All of mine have quietened down after a good 30 or so mile drive - I hope yours does too.

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