325 engine ticking - any ideas

[huyatgr]

My 1986 325 has a ticking sound coming from the engine. There's plenty of oil (pretty fresh and no leaks). Its relatively loud and idles a bit funny (tach rhythmically jums up and down a few revs). The car drives ok even in triple digit speeds, but the tick is concerning.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[jimmythepie]

mine ticks too, but fully synthetic oil makes it tick less.might be the timing chain i believe.

[raslion]

Try readjusting your valves.

[LaibeTyon]

I think this is something that just happens with engines. Mine has some slight tapping sounds but I've heard this on pretty much any car out there. My guess is that it'd be a problem if it was a BRAND NEW car/engine but if you have any kind of miles, I think its normal. Might be lifters, I've heard that before. But most likely its just nothing to be worried about.

[tim96]

mine sounds like a tractor
not really, your valves probably need adjusting?

[Jack Dabsy]

This is how older (higher milage) engines try to tell you to change the oil !!
Try something thicker, I use Diesel engine oil in my M52 and she loves it like it was champaigne LOL