When, exploring engine noises and vibrations, some are good, some are bad and some are just ugly.
So, the better you get at diagnosing them, the faster you can determine, which ones need immediate attention.
When an unfamiliar engine noises and vibrations, start coming from, somewhere under the hood, people get scared. They may not know enough about, complex engine systems, to know if it’s something, to worry about or not.
So, exploring engine noises or vibrations, is not an exact science and can be confusing.
Even experienced car technicians, find it hard to know what’s wrong with an engine, just by listening to it. But, engine noise, can be a useful diagnostic tool.
However, the better you are able to recognize and describe the sounds your vehicle are making to your mechanic; the better they will be able to get to the root of the problem.
Unfortunately, bad noises don’t normally go away on their own; and usually get more expensive, the longer you let it go.
Exploring Engine Noises And Vibrations:
Valve Train Noise
So, valve and hydraulic lifter noise has a clicking sound, that usually quiets down, as you raise the engine RPM’s.
Timing Chain Noise
So, many of the newer engines have, overhead camshafts with longer timing chains. Consequently, the chains ride against a nylon guide (a chain guide) which, in time, begins to wear.
Detonation, Pre-Ignition (Pinging) Noise
You usually hear this noise, when accelerating the vehicle. And, most people call this, a pinging or rattling sound.
Connecting Rod Noise
So, connecting rod noise is caused by, excessive clearance between; the crankshaft and the connecting rod bearing surface. This happens when you have low oil pressure, causing the bearing to run dry of lubrication; which in turn will damage the bearing and crankshaft surfaces.
Crankshaft Bearing Noise
Crankshaft bearing noise, is also caused by low oil pressure; which damages the bearing surfaces and could; eventually damage the crankshaft itself. This type of noise is usually described as, a rumbling or thumping sound, deep in the engine when accelerating.
Piston Slap
So, this noise is caused by, excessive clearance, between the piston skirt and the cylinder wall. Consequently, is usually found on high mileage vehicles.
Piston Pin Noise
Likewise, piston pin noise, is similar to valve train noise.
Whining Noise
A whining noise when an engine is running; is usually an indication of a bearing, that is on the verge of failure. Consequently, this noise will increase as the engine RPMs increase.
Choose Your Exploring Engine Noises Help Topic Below
Engine Rattling Noise – Where Is It Coming From – How Bad Is It
Engine Noises – Where Are They Coming From ? – How Bad Are They ?
Engine Knocking – Pinging – Rattling Noise – Common Causes
Knocking Ticking Noise – Is This The End Of Your Engine ?
Valve Train Noise – Where Is It Coming From ? – Is It Bad ?
Vehicle Noise – What Do You Hear ? – How Bad Is It ?
Water Pump Noise – Where Can It Come From – How Bad Is It
Engine Noise – The First Step Is Locating The Source Of The Noise
Abnormal Exhaust Noise – Common On 02-05 Ford 6.0L Diesel Engines
Hydraulic Valve Lifter – Takes Up Clearance Within The Valve Train
Automatic Belt Tensioner – Function – Failure Symptoms – Tensioner Testing
Flex-plate – What Does It Do ? – What Happens When It Fails
Exhaust Manifold Leaks – Function – Failure Symptoms – Potential Damage
Engine Spark Knock – That Annoying Knocking, Pinging Or Rattling Sound
Harmonic Balancer – Function – Failure – Warning Signs
Starter Problems – What Do You Hear When You Try To Start Your Car
Diagnosis Engine Problems With Your Sight, Hearing, Touch And Smell
Valve Lash – Getting All The Facts For Setting And Adjustment
Mechanical Fuel Pumps – Basic Information And Troubleshooting
Emission Thermactor Plugs – Needed For Small Block Ford Cylinder Heads
Thank You !