Ticking Sound in my Engine

DavidDoyle

Hi All,

I drive a 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCI (Diesel) with 175,000 miles on the clock.

I have noticed a ticking sound coming from the section of the engine that is closest to the steering wheel.

The rhythm of the ticking sound is always the same, but it appears to be getting louder over time.

Is there anything that I can do about this or is it just the engine getting old/used?

(This is not to be confused with a banging sound getting closer & closer over time which would likely signal that the engine is about to seize up)

Thanks In Advance for all responses. 

User1998

Unfortunately no one can properly diagnose a ticking noise over the internet. You’ll have to bring it to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis

chicorytip

Low oil pressure, misaligned valves, faulty spark plugs, and exhaust leaks are some possible causes.

bazz26

It would be a real head scratcher if it had faulty spark plugs. 🤣

yoshiktk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120944907#Comment_120944907

Details. Its probably lack of blinker fluid.

DavidDoyle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120944853#Comment_120944853

The engine burns through oil quickly and needs to be topped up regularly. If low oil pressure is the cause of the ticking sound, is there anything I can do about it?

blade1

A 15 year-old 1.4 fiesta with 175k miles done.

Personally I'd just drive it into the ground.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120945838#Comment_120945838

The ticking noise could literally be anything. It could be metal vibrating, it could be an exhaust manifold, it could be anything at all. You need to bring it to a mechanic if you want a proper diagnosis. Theres no point doing guess work.

chicorytip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120945838#Comment_120945838

Burning oil at a rapid rate is a symptom of worn piston rings. Fixing that would entail a partial engine rebuild. It would not be a cause of this ticking noise you're hearing.

Elmer Blooker

your timing belt is on the way out, get it looked at.

[Steve]

Does the sound go away when you push in the clutch by any chance? I have a similar issue with my Focus diesel (2015). Only happens with mine when at speed and off gas and clutch. With mine I know it's the DMF/Clutch on the way out, have 181k on it.

Otherwise if it's a constant ticking all the time then that might just be the lifters. Happens as it gets old.

DavidDoyle

For the record, one of the copper washers beneath the fuel injectors was thinner than the others. When I replaced this copper washer with one that was the correct size, the ticking sound ceased.

greasepalm

That should have been noticeable by a stain around the base of injector and building up in gunk.

Whatwicklow

Ticking ok

Tocking bad

😁