Hello Everyone,

My 02 SE appears to have developed a very distinct, rapid clicking sound. The sound is always there when the engine is on and speeds up with engine RPM. Its seems to be originating under the hood around where the coils are. Do coils every click when they're going bad? Or is this more likely to be a sticky lifters or valves?

What are my options to remedy this with spending a fortune?

Thanks.

-Danrod

a "clicking" especially around stuff that runs on high voltage(the coils generate ~40K volts or so), could be the spark arcing to something it shouldn't.

but if it were, it would cause some issues, since whatever cylinder that tower on the coil controls would basically act like a dead cylinder.

Just a little more info on the car.

It currently has about 110,000 miles. The UIM and gasket was replaced a few years back at about 70,000 miles (I thought the LIM gasket was replaced too but I can't seem to find the paperwork saying when it was done, so maybe it wasn't...).

My spark plugs and wires were changed at about 90,000 miles 2 years ago.

I change the oil about every 4K miles. Been using Mobile1 since I got it.

Ticking can also be causes by a stuck lifter, damaged valve train part, collapsed valve due to a broken spring, exhaust leak, etc.

Use a mechanics stethoscope and see if you can pin point the ticking sound. If it'* coming from under the valve cover you'll need to check the valve train.

What he said.

Next oil change I would substitute one quart of oil for one quart of rislone engine treatment. That has proven to be excellent in loosening up stuck lifters and quieting valvetrain components.

I've never heard of that Rislone stuff before. I've always been skeptical about putting additives in my oil. Has anyone used it that can attest to the stuff?

We don't usually condone additives to oil, transmissions, or cooling systems. Mainly because they are more of a waste of money. But, some additives have proven to be very beneficial and totally safe. One of them is Seafoam.

Many of us have had great results with Seafoam. Here'* a procedure that should help on using the product.

My 3.1 was ticking as well only 133,000 miles, When I did my LIM I took out the Lifters and Cleaned then With gas and put the thing back together and the ticking went away but about a month ago they started again. I may pick up some new lifters and put them in before winter. My condition them with something like duralube before putting them in.

My guess is that a coil post has cracked and is arcing to ground.

Does your camera or phone made videos that you can post as mpegs? Or even an audio recording?