Engine Ticking After Oil Change - What Could Be Wrong?

Car Maintenance & Repairs
1

I’ve recently changed the oil in my car, and now I’m hearing a ticking sound coming from the engine. It’s not a loud noise, but it’s definitely noticeable, and I’m starting to worry that something might be wrong.

Possible Causes

  1. Oil Viscosity: Did I use the correct oil viscosity? It’s possible that the new oil isn’t thick enough or too thick for my engine.
  2. Oil Filter Issues: Could the oil filter not be the right one, or maybe it’s not properly installed? I’ve heard of cases where an aftermarket filter can cause ticking sounds if it doesn’t create the right pressure.
  3. Lifters or Injectors: I’ve read that lifters can make a ticking sound when they don’t get enough oil. Is this something I should be concerned about?

What I’ve Tried

  • Double-checked the oil level and topped it off.
  • Listened closely to determine where the ticking is coming from - sounds like it’s more towards the top of the engine.

Seeking Advice

Has anyone experienced this issue after an oil change? What steps did you take to troubleshoot the problem? Any insights would be greatly appreciated before I rush to the mechanic and potentially incur unnecessary costs!

Looking forward to hearing your experiences and advice!

2

I recently experienced a ticking sound after an oil change too. It can happen due to oil viscosity problems, so make sure you’re using the right grade for your engine.

3

That’s a good point! I didn’t consider that before. What oil viscosity are you using?

4

In my case, I realized I had a low oil level after my change. Double-checking the dipstick might save a lot of trouble!

8 Likes
5

Absolutely! People often overlook simple checks. What if the oil filter was not installed properly?

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6

I think using low-quality oil can also be a big factor. It might not lubricate well, leading to noises like ticking.

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7

Great point! I had a similar experience with some cheaper oil once. Definitely worth spending a little more.

8

Sometimes, it could also be from worn engine components not getting enough lubrication after the oil change. Has anyone checked that?

9

Good call! Getting older parts checked can help prevent long-term damage.

10

Is it common to hear ticking sounds in older engines? I’ve been worried mine might be on its last leg.

11

It can be! Some ticking is just part of aging engines. But getting your oil level right is crucial.

12

If only engines came with a warning system for oil issues! Imagine the peace of mind. :joy:

13

Ha! Right? I’d definitely pay for that feature!

14

Reflecting on this, I’d say regular maintenance is key. Addressing small issues can help avoid big problems later.

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15

I totally agree! It’s always worth it to stay on top of car care.

16

I recently had an oil change with a different brand of filter, and I’ve noticed a ticking noise since. Could the filter really make that much of a difference?

17

Absolutely! A poor quality oil filter can restrict oil flow, leading to insufficient lubrication and a ticking noise.

18

I wonder if the engine flushing process could affect this as well. Is it possible to dislodge debris that causes ticking?

19

Yes, flushing can sometimes dislodge sludge, but it could also lead to loose particles causing noise. It’s a double-edged sword.

20

I’ve heard that synthetic oils reduce engine noise significantly compared to conventional oils. Has anyone switched to synthetic after hearing a ticking?