Just a quick question. Is it normal to hear a faint ticking sound on start-up? I can't remember if my previous Mini did this.

 

Pretty sure every 4 cylinder with DOHC have some ticking during operation. Most S's you'll hear a ticking while they're running. I've brought mine in because I thought it was too loud of a ticking, and I thought it was due to the infamous death rattle, but twas normal. It's louder in the cold months at start up. Note: There is a HUGE sound difference between a healthy engine ticking and a death rattle ticking/rattle. You can find several videos on the interwebs.

 

 

Thank you! I thought it sounded familiar when I heard it, but the hubby was worried since it was purchased at an auction.

 

It's still recommended to find a qualified tech to look at the car, because perfect world you shouldn't have a ticking, aside from injectors.

You may have a failing timing chain tensioner, or broken timing chain guides (which is usually not just at startup).

 

Do I still need to worry about that with just a belt and not a chain?

 

If there is a problem in the serpentine belt system you could have noises, but you need to locate the source as well as the reason.