I recently (within the last 3 weeks) bought a 1997 Honda Accord SE with 163,000 miles on it. A few days after I bought it, the engine started making a ticking noise. I only hear it when I'm driving between 10 and 40 or so mph, though I'm sure it's still there other times too, I just can't hear it. My first instinct told me it was the Timing Belt, as everything else-from what I can see, seems to be fine. However, I am no mechanic and obviously know very little about cars. I'd like to call for quotes on Timing Belt replacement, but I don't want to spend the money if that's not the problem. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

I'm no mechanic either but if I had to take a guess, I would say lifters? My 98 used to make a faint clicking noise when I used cheap gas but that was just pinging. Sorry if I'm no help.

 

either what he said or you have really loud fuel injectors...

 

if you can only hear it while driving at some speed, it might be the tranny instead? check and see if it is a certain RPM range or gear(s) where you have this problem. if it's the engine - you should be able to rev it up while parked and get the same result. if not, more likely to be tranny or something in drivetrain... there are lots of different things that make clicking noises on cars.

btw... a t-belt is not a bad idea on an unknown car with 163k miles... regardless of any noises. unless you know for a fact when it was last replaced.

 

1) check your oil..low oil can cause a slight tick
2) valve adjustment..I had to do this to mine it started making a faint ticking noise under low speeds and I had a valve adjustment done and that fixed it

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. You guys are way more knowledgeable than I am! After reading the replies, I'm starting to think the problem may be in the valves or engine. I'll look at the engine again just to be sure and then take it in. Thanks again!

 

You should also try checking your exhaust manifold gasket, manifold or gasket between the manifold and the cat. Small leaks in these parts of the exhaust system can cause a "ticking noise" as well.