Morrkat1

I have a 2006 Honda Pilot EX with 101,000 miles on it. Runs good but with a rather loud ticking noise coming from the engine at idle. Took it to a couple places the dealership recommended a valve adjustment when doing the timing belt. Do you think this going to help?
Thanks,
Muz

tech8

At ~ 100K miles, a valve adjustment is recommended.

2x0

Mine makes the same noise, honestly it almost sounds like a light knocking sound at idle. I had it in not long ago for the 100k service, which includes valve adjustment, but the noise persists.

BonerStabone

Does the sound improve as the car warms up? If not, the camshaft lobes may be galled. It's not a common problem, but I've replaced quite a few camshafts because of this on Odyssey and Pilots of this genre,

Morrkat1

The noise is pretty much the same even after it warms up.
Thanks,
Muz

BonerStabone

I'd be looking at the camshaft lobe condition. It's tough to see on the rear bank (with the valve-cover off), but a mirror and flashlight helps.

Morrkat1

Thanks for the help will check it out

speedlever

Immediately check the spark plugs for any loose plugs. A ticking sound has been associated with one or more loose spark plugs which can cause catastrophic damage if not caught soon enough. The J35 engine has a number of reports of loose spark plugs.

I also suggest a valve adjustment when you do the TB/WP service (also the hydraulic tensioner, the serpentine belt and tensioner, and spark plugs). This is also a good time to replace the radiator which also has a known history of failure where the transmission lines enter the radiator going to the heat exchanger... causing the infamous SMOD (strawberry milkshake of death). The new Denso radiator from RockAuto (~$150) appears to have been redesigned to avoid this issue going forward. Just a heads up.

BTW, the valve adjustment is only recommended by Honda if the valves are 'noisy'. However, in my opinion, noisy valves are typically 'loose' valves. Quiet valves are typically 'tight' valves and can cause serious engine damage if not corrected. The exhaust valves typically wear into the seat causing the valve lash to tighten... creating tight valves. So the recommendation by Honda is suspect IMHO. I always do a valve adjustment at the TB/WP service.

Morrkat1

We already replaced the radiator but will check the plugs and look into a valve adjustment like you said good info

speedlever

Please post back if you find a quick solution to the ticking noise... especially if it turns out to be loose spark plug(s).

Pilotman03

I have a tick in my 03 pilot. I replaced the spark plugs, but it has not gone away. Timing belt still has some miles on it before it needs to be changed.




I don't know what it is either.