Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

Hey all I'm new here, and I have recently bought a 1997 Honda Civic 2dr. Coupe(116,000 miles). Lately, as the weather has cooled down, I've noticed that in the mornings when I start the car up after a cool to cold night, I can hear a ticking sound, that speeds up when I apply the gas. Its not a knocking sound so much as a ticking. I can hear it when I'm in the car as well as when I'm standing outside of it. The sound goes away if I let the car run for about 5 minutes or so, or after 4-5 of driving. Is this anything to be concerned about? How can I fix this? Oil is fresh and the level is good. Also, this car is an automatic.

PS: I'm really a beginner when it comes to cars so bare with me. [sm=signs007.gif]

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

Describe this ticking sound and where is it coming from? stick your head under hood or take picture

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

I can't quite pinpoint it, but it seems to be from somewhere in the engine. When the engine warms up like 1/4 past the cold C it generally stops.

The sound is steady, and speeds up when I apply the gas. It is not extremely loud, but very noticible, especially listening from outside the car. Inside though, I can hear the distinct tick tick tick tick.

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

sounds like the valves MIGHT need adjusted....

but could also just be injector noise....
my dads 2000 suburban has a taping sound when its first started up and dealership told him it was just the injectors. it goes away within about a minute or so.....


it sure wouldnt hurt to have the valves adjusted a bit.

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

probably needs a valve adjustment

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

Valves would have more a knock sound to them

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

Well you could describe it as a knock, but its not a very heavy one like you might hear on an SUV. Also, it only occurs when the engine is still cold.

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

Today coming come from school in a cool rain I noticed that it would intermitenly make this ticking/knocking sound. It was not a consistent sound like on cold starts ups, but rather like one here and one there avery couple of seconds or so. Any other ideas?

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

Have you adjusted the valves yet?

RE: Engine makes ticking sound for 5 minutes after cold start
 

- my car does the same thing, ticks like a clock in time with the rpms until the thermostat warms, no worries -