Ticking noinse in engine bay

[joecool]

I hear a rapid ticking noise in the engine bay when the car is idle i pop the hood. Any info on what this is?

[hockeyman]

Exhaust leak, loose rocker arm(s), low oil level, etc.
I've even heard the alternator will click or whine sometimes before it dies.

[95Batmobile]

I'd say exhaust leak...
rev the car up and see if it gets faster as the RPMs climb.

I have never heard an alternator tick, but I've heard it whine before.. mine whines at times [img]tongue.gif[/img]

if no exhaust leak... only other thing I can think of it valve train noise or a misfire.. misfires will tick sometimes too when the spark arcs to something other than the plug.

[Pastor Larry Roques]

Originally posted by joecool:
I hear a rapid ticking noise in the engine bay when the car is idle i pop the hood. Any info on what this is?

I have had a plug wire that is arching over onto the frame that caused a ticking. Get the car in as dark a place as you can and look under the hood for a spark. If it is...you can buy wire insulation wraps from any auto parts place.
That's my only other thought to add to the good stuff the other guys posted. Blessings [img]graemlins/wavey.gif[/img]

[97rs4life]

ticking could be your altenator or maybe even your water pump making the noise. Else possible exhaust leak.

[BLLDOGG]

get a stethiscope and listen for it. best investment i've maid.

[saved1]

Ticking is usally one of the following, valve train wear and or low oil, or like pastor Larry said, spark jumping around the engine compartment, but that is a different sound, a tick but not as constant as a valve train noise.

[Guardiannknight]

Or it could be your injectors. We have loud injectors.

Jeff