Car enthusiasts, and probably most car owners, love the sound of a healthy engine. It has this sweet purr that grows louder when you’re revving. Sometimes, the engine makes some noises since it is composed of many moving parts that work together. However, the noises it makes should not be very loud. If they are, then it’s another story. If you hear engine clicking noises, it can be caused by something minor or something serious such as issues with the lifter, exhaust leaks, or sticking engine parts. If you ask, is it worth fixing engine clicking? The answer can vary depending on what caused it. But if the engine clicking is caused by a serious issue, then it might not be worth it since repairing these problems will be very expensive, especially if you own an older car with not much value on it.
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Replacing a bad lifter may cost you around $1,000 to $2,500. If the exhaust leak is caused by a blown head gasket, then you are expected to pay around $1,000 to $2,000, or more, if there are also some other components that need to be replaced. On the other hand, if the engine clicking is caused by sticking engine parts, rod knock, or other serious issues, the repair cost might be much higher than the value of your car. If this is the case, then the answer to the question “is it worth fixing engine clicking?” is no. You can ask your mechanic about it to know if it is better to sell your damaged car as is, and get a new car instead. If you decide to sell it, companies like Cash Cars Buyer buy cars regardless of their condition.
Is it Worth Fixing Engine Clicking? – Why Does My Engine Keep Clicking?
Is it worth fixing engine clicking? You might have asked this question at some point when you notice that your engine is making this unusual noise. It is said that when your engine is making unusual noises, it is an indication that there is something wrong with it and the answer to the question can vary depending on what caused the engine clicking.
To determine whether it is worth fixing engine clicking, you need to know what causes it. Engine clicking can be caused by the following problems:
- Low oil level
Low oil level can be the reason why you hear engine clicking noises. This can happen when the valve train components such as lifters, rockers, camshafts, and camp adjusters create noises since they are not receiving sufficient lubrication. You should check your oil level right away the moment you notice a clicking sound coming from your engine. Low oil pressure can also result in clicking or ticking sounds produced by your timing chain.
If your oil level is low, you can top it off to correct the problem. However, you also need to find out what caused your oil level to become low. One of the common reasons for this is oil leak. To determine whether you have an oil leak or not, you can check the surface where you park your car and look for any signs of leaks such as drips or small puddles of oil on the surface under your car.
If you can’t see any signs of leak, you can try putting a piece of cardboard under your car, below where your engine is located. In the morning, check the cardboard for any signs of leaks. If there is indeed an oil leak, you need to have it repaired immediately. If you ask, is it worth fixing engine clicking, and this is what caused it. It might be worth it since oil leaks can be repaired for around $150. However, it can cost as much as $1,200 if the leak is caused by something serious.
- Bad bearing or other engine accessory
Engine clicking can be caused by a bad bearing or other accessory. This can happen since these components can deteriorate or wear down over time which leads to spacing or wiggling that can create the clicking noises. You can diagnose this problem to check what is causing engine clicking. You can check it by using an automotive stethoscope.
- Sticking engine parts
Sticking engine parts can also cause engine clicking. This can happen when these components have worn down or have been starved of oil. The engine clicking noise may be heard when there is an excessive play between the crankshaft and the connecting rod which results in a metal to metal contact. You will be able to hear the engine clicking noise that may grow louder as you step on the gas pedal.
If this is what causes the engine clicking, the problem may only be fixed by replacing your engine or having it rebuilt. If you ask, is it worth fixing engine clicking? The answer can vary depending on the vehicle you own. Rebuilding an engine can cost around $2,500 to $5,000. To determine whether it is worth fixing or not, you need to assess your car and find out its market value. If its market value is lesser or somewhat similar to your car’s total repair bill, then it might not be worth it to fix your engine clicking issue.
- Faulty spark plugs
Spark plugs need to be changed as part of the preventative measures, usually every 30,000 miles for the conventional one and between 60,000 to 150,000 miles for the long life type of spark plug. If it has been a while since you last changed your spark plugs, then your engine clicking problem must be caused by a faulty spark plug.
If your car hasn’t reached that mileage yet or when it is still not due for a spark plug replacement, the engine clicking sound can occur when the spark plug is incorrectly seated. When this happens, it can cause a bypass of exhaust gases which can lead to engine clicking.
To fix this problem, you will have to inspect your spark plugs when your engine has cooled down and is off. All you have to do is remove the spark plug wire and wiggle the plug. When it moves, then it means that it is loose. If it is loose, visually inspect it by removing, pulling it out, and inspecting its thread. If you see that there’s no damage, reinstall it and make sure that the spark plug is torqued the right way. You can consult your owner’s manual to know the right torque specifications.
If your spark plug has signs of damage or cracks, have it replaced immediately. If it has stripped the cylinder head’s threads, you will have to remove the cylinder head in order to repair or replace it. Removing the cylinder head should be done by a mechanic to prevent any further damage. Is it worth fixing engine clicking? If this is what causes the problem, replacing spark plugs can cost between $60 to $180 for a four-cylinder car. Replacing it is pretty cheap and easy so it is better to fix the clicking problem.
- Faulty lifter
If you hear a clicking noise that seems to be coming from your engine, it can be the lifter ticking which is caused by a number of issues. A lifter, also referred to as a hydraulic tappet, plays an important role in the function of the engine valves. There needs to be a properly working lifter to make sure that your car will have no engine valve issues such as clicking noises.
This clicking noise from the lifter can be caused by dirty oil deposits or when it has worn down. Dirty oil deposits can be caused by poor maintenance. If this is what’s causing the lifter clicking, then it needs to be corrected immediately. Ignoring it can make the problem worse.
The clicking engine can happen since the lifter needs oil and proper lubrication to be able to lift fully. If the oil is dirty, it can keep the lifter from working properly. It will start to struggle which will cause the engine to produce the clicking noises. If this is what causes the problem, it can still be easily fixed by having your oil changed.
Another thing that can cause the clicking sound is a bad lifter. This can happen due to lack of maintenance or due to normal wear and tear. If you ask, is it worth fixing engine clicking? If it is caused by a faulty lifter, replacing this part can be very labor intensive and costly. Its replacement usually costs around $300 to $2,500. The cost can vary depending on factors such as your car’s make, model, and year. If you want to save some money, you can do the lifter replacement yourself if you have the right tools and you know your way around cars.
- Exhaust leaks
When combusting fuel, it will have to be let out in a controlled way. If the exhaust manifold has a leak, it can cause a clicking sound to be produced. This exhaust leak can happen anywhere in the exhaust system. But if the leak is somewhere in the exhaust system, you may hear a loud clicking noise coming from the engine compartment.
A leak in the exhaust manifold can be caused by broken manifold bolts or studs or by a blown head gasket. This problem can be fixed easily by asking a mechanic to patch them up. If the exhaust manifold gasket is leaking, you can have it replaced for a relatively cheap price. However, if the exhaust leak is caused by a blown head gasket, then you should prepare somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 to have it replaced.
To know whether your car really has an exhaust leak or not, you can check it by revving your engine while in park. Your car should reach about 2,500 rpm and check if the clicking noise will be gone. If the clicking noise disappears, it can be an indication that you have an exhaust leak. If the noise stays, then it could mean that you have an oil pressure issue.
To correct this problem, the repair or replacement that needs to be performed might be laborious and very expensive, depending on what caused it. You need to talk with a mechanic to know the total cost you are expected to pay. If the repair bill is much higher than the market value of your car, then it is better to move on and sell your damaged car.
- Faulty valves
The engine has a lot of valves that work together as a part of one big synchronous engine mechanism. These valves are responsible for controlling the intake and exhaust valves. As important as they are, these valves can become faulty due to some reasons. If they become faulty, a clicking noise can be heard since the valves tend to become misadjusted. When this happens, your car’s engine will be susceptible to misfires and its power may be reduced when you step on the gas pedal.
If the misadjusted valves are the reason why the engine produces clicking noises, then the answer to the question, is it worth fixing engine clicking, is yes. Repairing or adjusting the valve train is a pretty simple and straightforward job. The adjustment will usually cost you around $80 to $150.
If you are asking, is it worth fixing engine clicking? The answer can vary depending on what caused this problem to occur. The engine clicking is caused by a lot of problems ranging from minor issues to serious ones. To determine whether the engine clicking is worth fixing, you need to know what caused the problem, know how much the repair will cost you, and to assess the condition of your car. You can talk with a mechanic and have your car assessed. If the total repair bill is much higher than the market value of your car, then fixing the engine clicking will not be worth it. It is better to sell your car as is and use the money to build a budget for a new car.