So, I have searched NAM and asked some semi- to moderately-knowledgeable people about this.

I have very recently started hearing a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. It does vary in frequency directly with engine RPM. It is difficult to determine from where, exactly, it is coming. So far the favorite culprits seem to be:
-lifters
-timing chain
-valves

I am familiar with the parts involved, but I am no mechanic. It sounds just like a clock ticking very fast. It is not knocking or detonation--I do know those sounds.

Any help? I am calling service today but the car is out of warranty. I am at 80,000+ miles and it could be a symptom of old age (for the car...).

We are closing on a new house soon (of course this would happen NOW of all times!) and the cash outlay for this problem could definitely raise my blood pressure. But, such is life...

dan

 

Didnt know OHC's had lifters....

Ive had that ticing noise for quite some time now, and havent had any problems. Its just noisy valvetrain, noting to worry about.

Try some uber premium gas and see if it goes away.

 

Ha ha! No lifters? I guess I'll cross that off the list! Maybe I meant rocker arms? Whatever connects the valve to the cam... like I said "no mechanic".

I have heard other cars much older than mine making such a sound. But, this one is mine. Naturally, I am protective...

Thanks not-so-rednwhitecooper!

 

This may sound stupid.....but, do you have enough oil in your engine? Are you due for a change? Check the simple stuff first.

 

Crashton's right... check the simple stuff first. Change the oil and be sure that the correct oil is used. I like Redline but full syn castrol or mobil 1 is ok.
Is there something loose externally to the engine? I've had belts that would start to fray and slap that made a similar noise. Fuel injectors could give you a similar noise also...once again try some redline SL1 injector cleaner.
Good Luck.

 

Also, i just thought of it, but wth my injectors, they are realy loud, so it may just be the injector pulse you hear...

 

The hydraulic lash adjusters (you know the things that are usually built into lifters, that can get dirty and tick) are actually in the rocker arms on the MINI. BTW OHC engines that have the valve stems directly below the cam lobes do use lifters/tappets.

 

BFG9000

Thanks. You beat me to it.

 

Well, I now have a fresh axle seal, a new seat belt tensioner, and all the new brake bits (oem) that money can buy.

I tell ya'... go in for one little item...

dan

 

I would probably throw in with the fuel injector camp as the source of the noise. Especially if the frequency of the sound increases directly with increases in engine revs.

 

I noticed a fast ticking sound when I started my MINI. Particuarly whenit was cold out. I asked my MA about this and he asked if it was a fast tick, or a tap. Acording to him if it's a fast tick it's more likely the fuel injectors. Particualry if it happens when it's cold out, and the engine was cold.

 

After all the "mechanical wizardry" performed at Rasmussen, the ticking is gone. Don't know what it was. But, in hindsight... the axle seal had to be replaced. It was leaking small amounts of oil. Over time the oil level likely got low enough to cause the ticking sound. I never saw any evidence of a leak before this. Guess I'll have to check more regularly (now that the problem is fixed!).

I did get free MINI-mints at the dealership though...

dan