Multiple components in the engine start moving before the engine oil can circulate through them properly. The starting noise is normal, but a ticking noise indicates multiple problems with the engine.
So, what are the reasons for an engine ticking when cold? The engine can make a ticking noise if the oil level is low or the oil grade isn’t suitable. Bad oil pumps or clogged oil filters can also cause this problem. Other reasons include dry valve lifters, higher piston clearance, carbon buildup on the cylinder head, etc.
You will learn the detailed reasons, their symptoms, diagnosis, and solutions all in one go. Let’s jump right into it.
Engine Ticking When Cold: Quick Troubleshooting
If you are in a hurry, you can check out this chart to get quick solutions.
| Noise Type | Probable Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Intense ticking but dampens later | The oil level is low | Refill the oil. |
| Intense ticking but vanishes later, and the engine temperature rises | The oil grade is not right | Check the oil grade and change it. |
| Moderate ticking with bluish exhaust smoke | Valve lifters are dry | Use thinner engine oils and adjust valve lifters. |
| Low-pitched ticking noise | Pistols are hitting cylinder walls | Rebuild the engine. |
| Dull ticking noise | Carbon deposit inside the chamber | Use fuel additives for carbon cleaning. |
Engine Ticking When Cold: Detailed Reasons With Solutions
Let’s start with the easiest reasons to diagnose, and I will work my way up.
1. The Oil Level Is Low
If the oil level is low, it can’t properly lubricate the engine components during a cold start. The lack of lubrication causes a mechanical ticking sound from moving components.
Just so you can identify the noise easily, this ticking noise is totally different from the clicking noise when decelerating.
Symptoms
- The ticking noise may not go away if the reason is a low oil level.
- Over time, the noise will dampen as a small amount of oil starts circulating the noisy components.
Diagnosis
- Turn the engine off and let it cool down a bit. When the engine is still warm, remove the dipstick.
- Clean the dipstick and put it back. Then, pull it out again to investigate the oil mark.
- There should be two lines on the dipstick, such as High and Low or Max and Min. If the oil level is well below the High or Max mark, the engine is lacking oil.
Solutions
- You have to refill the engine oil. Take the recommended grade of engine oil and pour it into the reservoir.
- Insert the dipstick to check if the oil has reached the High or Max mark.
2. The Oil Grade Isn’t Suitable
At extremely low temperatures, most engine oils don’t have the necessary flow rate to lubricate engine components fast. This compels the components to run dry for some time. As a result, you hear a ticking noise from the engine.
Symptoms
- Like the previous reason, you will hear a similar ticking noise that loses its intensity gradually.
- The engine temperature may rise after some time.
Diagnosis
- Check your car’s manual for the recommended oil grade, especially for cold temperatures.
- Find your oil change log to check the last oil grade you used. If the oil used in the car isn’t suitable for cold temperatures, it can be the reason behind the ticking noise.
Solutions
- Run the engine for some time until the oil is warm. Then, turn it off.
- Place a large oil pan below the drain plug. Remove the plug and let the oil drain completely.
- Flush the oil reserver with a good engine oil flush. You can use the Liqui Moly Pro-Line Engine Flush.
- Refill the reservoir with the recommended grade of oil for cold temperatures.
3. Valve Lifters Are Dry
Traditional engine oils are usually thicker, so take longer to lubricate valve lifters, pushrods, etc. Due to the delay, hydraulic lifters create a ticking noise. If your car has mechanical lifters instead of hydraulic ones, they can make a ticking noise when the clearance is low.
Symptoms
- If the ticking noise is accompanied by bluish exhaust smoke, dry valve lifters are the reason.
- Noise from mechanical lifters will vanish once the engine is hot.
Diagnosis
- Open the hood and start the engine. Check where the noise is coming from.
- If the noise is near the valve cover on top of the engine, valve lifters are dry.
- Also, a ticking noise from valve lifters will be more intense than the noise caused by low oil levels or wrong oil grades.
Solutions
- Using synthetic engine oils is better to get rid of the noise. They have a higher flow rate.
- If the noise persists, get the valve lifters checked and adjusted for clearance by an experienced mechanic. It might cost about $300-$500, including parts and labor.
4. Pistons Are Hitting Cylinder Walls
The pistons inside the cylinder should have a uniform movement. When they have more clearance than necessary, pistons can move down at an angle. It causes the pistons to hit the cylinder wall and produces a low-pitched ticking noise.
Symptoms
- Besides the ticking noise, you may hear the engine grinding noise at idle.
- Once the engine heats up, the ticking noise goes away as the pistons expand.
Solutions
- Normal users cannot check for misalignment of the pistons. You must take the car to a repair shop and get the pistons checked by a mechanic.
- If pistons turn out to be the reason, you might require an engine rebuild. Expect to spend about $2,000-$3,000 for it.
5. There Are Carbon Deposits Inside
Carbon can accumulate on the cylinder head or the piston from the combustion residue. It reduces the clearance between the head and the piston, causing the ticking noise. When the engine gets hotter, the clearance gets better, and the ticking sound vanishes.
Symptoms
This ticking noise is vapid, unlike what you experience for other reasons.
Diagnosis
Like the previous situation, you have to get the inside of the combustion chamber checked by a mechanic. If there are carbon deposits inside, they can clean it.
Solution
- You can try a makeshift solution here. Special fuel additives are available to clean carbon deposits.
- Use such an additive to remove the better part of the buildup. I suggest using the Rislone Hy-per Fuel System Cleaner.
Pro Tips to Avoid Engine Ticking When Cold
With the following tips, you can avoid this problem in the first place.
- Always use the recommended grade of engine oil in your car. For cold climate regions, low-viscosity oils are great.
- Park the car in a warm place. It will keep the oil flowing easily during the cold start.
- Clean the fuel system periodically to prevent the buildup of carbon.
Conclusion
Even if the noise of the engine ticking when cold is not that intense, you shouldn’t ignore the noise. It may not cause any drastic or instant damage. But it will surely affect the engine in the long run. So, you must diagnose the reason behind the noise and solve it promptly.
I mentioned the most common reasons and their symptoms so that you can diagnose the reason quickly. Then, implement the solutions to eliminate the issue before it is too late.
