Hi guys I'm new here, and also to the car community. I've have had a weird ticking problem with my b16a 98 civic, for the past 3 months now and I don't now what it is. When I start the car the ticking noise appears, but then it happens to go away with a couple of seconds when my car gets warmed up. Also the ticking gets louder when I'm in 4th or 5th gear giving it gas, I don't know why. I'd really appreciate it if someone can help me out, or if have had the same problem and could tell me what it is.

 

Few things here. When you're just starting up the motor, pay attention to your oil pressure light. It's likely the ticking is top-end (rockers/valves) working without oil. It takes a few seconds (usually 1-3) before the oil pump can get oil pressure up there. Pretty normal, especially if it's been awhile since you've started it and all the oil is down in the sump. If it seems like it's taking longer and longer over time before you get good pressure, it might be time to check/clean/replace your oil pump pickup as it might be clogged. You can also replace your pump, while you're in there, but that's a bit more in depth.

As for in 4th/5th. Well, we'd need more information on that. Is it only in those gears? Is at a certain RPM or speed only? Is it when under load or when decelerating or cruising? Is it the same ticking noise?

 

It's mostly ticking hard in 4th and 5th gear, when I'm cruising at low rpms and when I try to give it gas the ticking noise appears.

 

Can you confirm your ignition timing is set correctly? Could you be misinterpreting pinging as ticking?

Do you have access to a mechanics stethoscope?