Ticking noise near intake area

**mister_tu** · 01-21-2009 04:20 PM

So, I went to go fill my coolant, ran the car and than noticed this ticking noise that sounded electrical coming from the intake area. I couldn't really pinpoint the sound, but it sounded loudest from that vicinity.

It definitely sounds more electrical than mechanical, like it was a constant spark. However, car runs smooth, no problems at idle or driving.

Any ideas?

**mister_tu** · 01-21-2009 04:26 PM

Mods, can you please delete? I posted in wrong forum.

Thanks.

**J-jizzle** · 01-21-2009 04:27 PM

Check valves can make a ticking sound when they go bad.

**redflagquattro** · 01-21-2009 04:27 PM

when you say intake do you mean air intake or the intake manifold? If your talking about the air intake then it's probably just the operation of N80 valve since it makes a clicking sound.

**old guy** · 01-21-2009 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by mister_tu

So, I went to go fill my coolant, ran the car and than noticed this ticking noise that sounded electrical coming from the intake area. I couldn't really pinpoint the sound, but it sounded loudest from that vicinity.

It definitely sounds more electrical than mechanical, like it was a constant spark. However, car runs smooth, no problems at idle or driving.

Any ideas?

You are probably hearing the N80 purge valve. It makes a steady ticking sound when operating. It is the valve with the wire connected to it to the left of the check valve. Normal.

**mister_tu** · 01-21-2009 04:30 PM

Awesome. Thanks guys, I thought something was going to blow.

**dougyfresh** · 01-21-2009 04:39 PM

Is the ticking coming from any of the vacuum lines or near the head itself?

The fuel injectors make noise while the engine is running. The cam tensioner makes a loud ticking when its on its way out (ie: not keeping tension on the inter-cam chain). You can also hear the spark plugs firing if your head is near the engine close enough.

Not ruling out the N80 (if noise is at the vacuum lines), but often one mistakes the fuel injector pulses for they are one of the most distinct noises when you pop the hood.

**old guy** · 01-21-2009 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by dougyfresh

Is the ticking coming from any of the vacuum lines or near the head itself?

The fuel injectors make noise while the engine is running. The cam tensioner makes a loud ticking when its on its way out (ie: not keeping tension on the inter-cam chain). You can also hear the spark plugs firing if your head is near the engine close enough.

Not ruling out the N80 (if noise is at the vacuum lines), but often one mistakes the fuel injector pulses for they are one of the most distinct noises when you pop the hood.

Good points! Have someone increase the RPM's slightly and see if the frequency increases. If it does then check out the items Doug pointed out. If not them I would suspect the N80.

Cheers!