strange noise under the hood

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mark-b
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strange noise under the hood

Post by mark-b »

A strange noise has just started under the hood. It an intermitent crackling sound which kind of sounds like hot cooking oil when you drop some water into it. Its not loud but loud enough for me to pick it up. It makes the sound about every few seconds. It sounds like it is coming from somewhere at the top of the engine. I have just done an oil change, not sure if there is a connection or not. Its the only thing I have done to the car and the sound started after the oil change. Does anyone have any ideas on this??? Mark
ciper
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Post by ciper »

Is this when the engine is under heavy load, idling or?
Brat4by4
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Post by Brat4by4 »

Oil dropping onto the exhaust pipe on the passenger side of the engine can make such a sound. Look for a leaking valve cover gasket (very common problem). Do you smell the reek of oil after you stop driving?
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ciper
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Post by ciper »

I was thinking it sounded more like a combustion problem.
mark-b
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Post by mark-b »

Hi guys, thanks for the tips. It makes the sound when its cold or hot when it is idling. There is No smell of oil. Im thinking maybe there is some oil residue from when I replaced the oil filter. (it was a messy job with oil running out when I unscrewed it) Mark
entirelyturbo
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Post by entirelyturbo »

I was gonna say, are you sure your a/c line isn't dripping condensation onto your cat? I've had that before, but you said it happens when it's cold... :?
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ciper
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Post by ciper »

Does it make the same sound after you turn the car off from a long time of driving?
mark-b
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Post by mark-b »

It doesnt make the sound after I turn off the engine after a long run. Im going to check to see if it happens from cold just in case I was dreaming. I noticed that the sound is a little worse when the air-con is on......
magicmike
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Post by magicmike »

what you really need to do is get in there for a better look. You should be able to see something. We cant see or hear whats going on so its difficult. I say if you stare at it long enough you will find at leaste where the noise is coming from (i.e. a part or something). I think you need to narrow it down for us somehow.

Good luck and happy listening
-Mike

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mark-b
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Post by mark-b »

Hi guys, Sorry for being vague with my description of the problem. It doesnt make the noise from cold. subyluvr2212 you are on to it, I have narrowed it down to the A/C. I drove with it off on a long run and no noise. I turned on the A/C and the noise started up. Maybe Im low on refridgerant gas. I will investigate the a/c further. Mark
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