Ticking noise when cold?... - Page 2

David D · #11 03-15-2017, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I can hear the cold start sound. Does sound like timing chains/guides but sounds can be misleading. The other videos can't tell.

The auxiliary air pump can sound like that but that goes away after a minute or two on 'cold' starts. One thing you can do is see if you can pinpoint the sound with an auto stethoscope, a long extension or anything that you can put to your ear and the other end around the engine. Places to to check are on the upper timing chain cover of course, water pump housing, anywhere a shaft is turning. Also front to back on each side of the engine if it is a ticking noise when engine is warm. Sometimes getting underneath can help but you will have to remove the plastic splash shield. Start on top and see what you find.

This is one of several videos about timing guide failure. Depending on the degree of failure the sound will vary. As posted in the comments, you can pull the lower oil pan to check for timing guide material or metal filings. I do that ever other time I change the oil even though there is no engine noise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6GG9agUUdQ

Thanks for posting that video. Mine is nowhere near that bad sounding. I know it's hard to hear it on the videos I posted, but mine sounds more like a ticking/tapping than a rattle. More like valve tappet noise. It is most noticeable when it's cold outside and the engine is dead cold. It gets quieter as the engine warms up, but is still there at operating temperature. It seems to be getting worse as time goes on.

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bcredliner · #12 03-15-2017, 01:52 PM

At some point the chain tensioner was redesigned by BMW. If your X5 has the original tensioner and because the tensioner is not expensive I suggest buying a new chain tensioner from BMW. Good to replace it but I would continue to troubleshoot to verify the core problem prior to addressing the chain tensioner.

David D · #13 03-15-2017, 09:05 PM

Well, guess I'll find out next week. Taking the X to a recommended indy Monday. I'll let you know what they say...

David D · #14 03-20-2017, 01:12 PM

Shop called a little while ago and said they can't hear the noise. It was not that cold this morning, so they're going to try again tomorrow morning. They did manage to find my mystery coolant leak. Apparently, the radiator has a small leak as does a gasket behind the flex plate requiring the tranny to be pulled. Ten hours of labor for that alone... Ouch.

four.8is · #15 03-20-2017, 01:40 PM

Hey David is your noise constant til it warms up ?
Reason I'm asking, mine doesn't make any noise at startup but after a minute or two when engine warms up a bit and the RPM drops a little, it's like the engine has a hiccup, and for 3 seconds or so I hear a tick tick tick noise then gone. That's it....only on cold startup.
I know it's a different engine but wondered if that's the kind of problem you have ..

David D · #16 03-20-2017, 01:49 PM

Mine makes the noise if it's cold (as in the 30's or colder) and it does it right away. It will still make the noise after the engine is warmed up, just more subdued. Sounds like a "muted diesel". I can go to the drive through at McDonald's at lunch time and can hear the noise bouncing off the building wall. Not really loud mind you, but definitely noticeable. I can hear it from inside the car when first driving off when cold . Don't hear it going down the road at speed as the road noise is masking it I'm sure.

four.8is · #17 03-20-2017, 02:24 PM

Ahh got ya, seems like mine could be the lifters but like I said, only does it for 3 seconds or so.

bcredliner · #18 03-20-2017, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David D

Shop called a little while ago and said they can't hear the noise. It was not that cold this morning, so they're going to try again tomorrow morning. They did manage to find my mystery coolant leak. Apparently, the radiator has a small leak as does a gasket behind the flex plate requiring the tranny to be pulled. Ten hours of labor for that alone... Ouch.

Have you been adding coolant?. It is easy to make a mistake as to source of a coolant leak since exit point and often even evidence unless traced to highest point on the engine the evidence is visible, are non conclusive.

David D · #19 03-20-2017, 04:47 PM

Very slow leak. I've had to add coolant a couple of times the past several months. Been smelling coolant intermittently, but no sign of leakage that I could find on driveway, or by looking at belly pan.

As odd as it sounds, I'm REALLY hoping the ticking noise IS the timing chain. I'd really like to get that done before the warranty ends as I don't relish doing that one at home, especially since my garage won't get built for another couple of years.

BimmerE38E53 · #20 03-22-2017, 07:53 PM

Hi David. I recently had the same issue. I had a very loud "lifter tap" type sound when the engine was cold that totally went away once warmed up. I actually replaced my oil relief valves (did all 6) and everything is gone. Nice and quiet when starting now. Seems they trap a little oil in the top of the motor so it doesn't have to travel all the way from the pan on a cold start. Was like $120 and maybe 25 minutes to replace them all. Just sharing my experience.

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