Valve tick ticking sound under hood of 1997 Subaru Legacy wagon when my foot is on the gas but not when idling - whqt could be the problem. Car has 165,000 miles and runs fine except for ticking noise.

SOURCE: Ticking under the hood.

I kind of had the same problem with my car, the dealer kept saying it was nothing wrong with the vehicle and that the ticking noise would fix itself electronically. Wrong, it was my valves needed adjustment and that ticking noise was never going to be fixed electronically.

SOURCE: making a ticking noise under right side valve

Hi,

The ticking noise that you are hearing is a valve lifter which may have a lubricating problem.

The only way to be sure is to check the valve clearance and the one valve which is out of the clearance value will be the one which is making the ticking sound.

In most case's you need to remove the valve lifter and dismantle then clean it and relube it with a vavle lifter lube then refit and adjust the clearance.

Let me know if you need more information.

Thanks

Jason

SOURCE: I have a 2002 Silverado.

WEll, it certainly can be an exhaust leak. Take a heater hose and hold one end up to your ear and probe around with the other end. Exhaust manifolds are a big issue, these days.

SOURCE: Bought a 92 Subaru Legacy

hi yes ticking in early model subarus is very a common valve/lifter prob in most cases a decent oil change or anti ticking treatment can quieten it or stop the noise altogether however in some cases the noisy part may be damaged beyond repair and need to be replaced

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