So not too long ago my car developed a ticking sound that seems to be noticable from 1800-3000rpm. It does it even when in neutral, but seems like it gets quieter when the engine is under load (gets quieter when you apply throttle).

Thing is it hasn't changed how the car drives.

At first I was thinking that the valve lash needed checked but other people have told me it might be the belts (or something of the sorts) so I figured I would ask you guys and see if anyone else has experienced a similar noise.

Cheers! [sm=icon_cheers.gif]

Well it's kind of hard to describe but I'll do my best. It's like a ticking/tapping sound that varies with engine speed and sounds like it is coming from the middle of the engine like where the tranny and engine meet up. Thing is it hasn't thrown a code at me yet, the only thing I've noticed is a slight decrese in gas mileage but that could be because of how cold it's been here. (MPG is rising back to previous #'s now that is's warming up but still down)


Based on the sound (usually I am pretty good at these kind of things) I was thinking.....

- needs valve lash adjusted
- somthing shorting out (still drives great, and it sounds more mechanical then electrical)
- something related to the pulleys and belts
.
.
.
- something very serious thats showing no warning signs (in which case I'm f-ed)