Engine Ticking...

[-eur04lif3-]

Hey guys, i recently noticed the engine creating a noticeable ticking sound.
I thought that changing the tensioner would do the trick.
However, the change of the tensioner did not make my engine quieter.
Here's a before clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHwH3BWIIYQ

Here's the after clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFzB23f2zaw&feature=g-upl

Can anyone tell me what this might be? I know the m42 has hydraulic valve adjustment--so it can't be that it needs a valve adjustment.
Also, could the weather do the trick? Located in the PNW, the temperatures are pretty low.

Thanks for any and all input!

[bmwman91]

Sounds like typical M42 lifter tick. The cold temperatures make the oil thicker and that can lead to lifters not fully pumping up. You probably also have some oil varnish plugging things up a little, given the engine's age.

[deansweet]

Both of mine sound a bit like that?! Especially when the temps drops a bit...

[-eur04lif3-]

Sounds like typical M42 lifter tick. The cold temperatures make the oil thicker and that can lead to lifters not fully pumping up. You probably also have some oil varnish plugging things up a little, given the engine's age.

Thanks for the input!
The motor just crossed the 200k mark. I use the euro 0W-40 Mobil 1 Synthetic in a effort to increase lubrication.
Can you elaborate more of what things can be plugged up and what it takes to clean that up?

[DesktopDave]

I found a bit of info - a little more than I needed to know - pretty comprehensive info right here.

[-eur04lif3-]

I found a bit of info - a little more than I needed to know - pretty comprehensive info right here.

Thanks Dave for the input!
Unfortunately, none of the symptoms listed in the link are the case with my motor.
 
-I do not feel any power loss.
-The noise continues even after the car warms up, and the oil i use is 0w-40 which is perfect for PNW cold weather.
-Car is a DD, so not much of lateral brisk driving.

I'm really at a loss as to what the issue might be, maybe all it takes is to just unbutton the valve cover and see if anything is loose or evident. Never done it before.
I found this link: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1877467 , that to a certain extent gives a list to check once opened.

Any thoughts?

[bme30]

Could be injector ticking

[Marauder42]

Might sound overly simplistic, but have you checked your oil level? Mine started ticking like that on start up and after freeway trips. Ended up being I was a little low on oil.

[-eur04lif3-]

Could be injector ticking

I will look into this. What is the cause for the injector to be ticking? malfunction?

Might sound overly simplistic, but have you checked your oil level? Mine started ticking like that on start up and after freeway trips. Ended up being I was a little low on oil.

I did. That was the first think i checked and it was between the two lines.

[bmwconnect]

Say hello to your new best friend. Love using this for checking for injector problems I got mine on ebay for like $10 *free shipping * one of my most used tools

[bme30]

I will look into this. What is the cause for the injector to be ticking? malfunction?.

No i thought the same thing.  Its just the pulse from the duty cycle.  Mine tick pretty loud.. But then again im running s52 injectors and i dont have an upper intake manifold in the way to check

Another tool you can use to check for ticking is a long screwdriver or a keyhole saw.  I used the saw.. Placed the tip over each of my cop, then on the valve cover over where the valves are, then checked the injectors.. And thats where the ticking came from.  Oh yeah.. The tip of the keyhole saw or screwdriver and then put your ear to the top of the handle.  Its a little ghetto but it works if you are in a bind

[alkaba]

Worn Hydraulic valve lifters A common problem...there is 16 of them and its not so easy to determine which one is bad. New oil will make them quieter...Don't worry, the engine will run OK, only the noise a little bit annoying.

[-eur04lif3-]

Say hello to your new best friend. Love using this for checking for injector problems I got mine on ebay for like $10 *free shipping * one of my most used tools

Got one coming.

No i thought the same thing.  Its just the pulse from the duty cycle.  Mine tick pretty loud.. But then again im running s52 injectors and i dont have an upper intake manifold in the way to check

Another tool you can use to check for ticking is a long screwdriver or a keyhole saw.  I used the saw.. Placed the tip over each of my cop, then on the valve cover over where the valves are, then checked the injectors.. And thats where the ticking came from.  Oh yeah.. The tip of the keyhole saw or screwdriver and then put your ear to the top of the handle.  Its a little ghetto but it works if you are in a bind

Thanks for the suggestion. I parked the car for the winter, and just trying to get this noise sorted out.

Worn Hydraulic valve lifters A common problem...there is 16 of them and its not so easy to determine which one is bad. New oil will make them quieter...Don't worry, the engine will run OK, only the noise a little bit annoying.

I guess its either the injectors or the lifters. I guess the tool should help me pin-point the issue.