I've got a 3.2l VTEC acura tl. I've got this clicking noise coming from my engine. I used to also have a 2.2l VTEC and it would also click... they are both sohc. What am I hearing? Is this normal? I'm getting no problem with my engine. Super smooth super strong.

 

Have you tried to pin-point the cause?
There is an issue with a solenoid from the Gas Vapor Recirculation System in the 3.2, The solenoid is found on top of the Master Cylinder.. When the Solenoid is worn it click very loudly.


Now if that isn't the issue the only remaining thing is valve train. How long since the Valves where adjusted?

 

I have no idea. I bought the car recently. Its not a knocking. Just sounds like the pistons moving. But there's a click there I have encountered with all my Hondas / acuras that are VTEC

 

Mmm that's a hard info to diagnose.. Would you elaborate where the noise come from? Like if you start the engine with the hood opened the noise comes from behind the Plastic Cover in the Spark Plug Area?


The Solenoid Clicks is very noticeable inside the cabin with the Car started, Valve Train is not that likely to be heard inside the cabin FYI.

But if the sound is present when you stand in front of the car and the car running is more likely the Valve Train.

 

if you have under 200kmiles its probably not had the valves adjusted!!

 

Its got 220k but the engine is very strong. I dunno... I haven't noticed any problems what so ever. Would the sylinoid cause issues?

I means its not a bad loud tick its not as noticeable once the car has warmed up. And you can hear the ticking speed up when you give it gas in park.

 

go to harbor freight tools or any parts store and get a 5-10 dollar mechanics stethoscope go play Doctor under the hood, place end of probe on metal surfaces to ck bearings in alt and its tensioner (important!), and the valves- do they sound equial--they wont at that mileage
Most of what you hear is likely fuel injection at work
but 220, wow make sure it got the timing belt done, and its in need of some other things like egr system cleaning and valve adjust

register with acura care 1 800 382 2238 x5 with cars VIN, ask if all recalls are taken care of
Everyone should register there (usa only)- its the place that sends out recall notices- who knows what the future holds as the airbag issues for Honda corp continue!

 

Yeah, the EVAP's purge control solenoid which Skirmich previously mentioned can make a very noticeable "ticking" sound. On some cold morning that ya hear the ticking, check out that solenoid near the master cylinder. Ya can actually feel the solenoid tick if it's the culprit. Next thing would possibly be something loose or a broken bolt on the exhaust manifold. Then the valves or fuel injectors may also cause ticking sounds.
If ya look closer, you'll find the problem.

 

The solenoid is the most common cause of a ticking sound on these cars.

Listen for it by the firewall near the master cyl.

If its not those try having the valves adjusted.
Also fuel injectors can be noisy, especially if dirty/old.

 

I have the same ticking noise. Had it since I bought the car (72k miles, 200k now) and recently had an EVAP leak appear. If I replace the purge control solenoid is there a good chance to take care of both these issues?

 

that and adjust the valves, that's called for at 105 but few do it then

By 200kmiles we know there are several tight and some loose, both bad for running conditions! PITA to reach but worth it, plan on some other DIY jobs that are along the path:
IACV and TB service, EGR passage inside intake manifold (comes off to reach valve covers), spark plugs if over 70kmiles on them etc.etc.

look up Harbor Freight Tools for a location near you- $4 gets a mechanics stethoscope = invaluable for tracking noises, same item available at parts stores for 10 dollars
and still worth it!

 

you have an actual known evap system leak?? OR you got a CEL with code for evap leak?