My car recently started producing this pecking sound?

Question

The sound is not loud at all,it shifts and runs well but I'm worried..on top of the sound it produces smoke sometimes.

Well I forgot to say that it's a 98 dodge intrepid

Answer 1

If the sound is more like a ticking sound that rises and falls as you race the engine, then it could be a stuck lifter, or maybe a little piston slap. Have a mechanic check out the sound and he should be able to let you know the problem. good luck.

Answer 2

It sounds like your engine is on it's last leg. When an engine gets old the gaps or tolerances in the bearings and such get larger and the oil you use doesn't create enough of a cushion so you start to hear the ticking or pecking sounds. The only thing you can do to help is put in a higher viscosity oil. That will be a little thicker than the oil you are using. If your car calls for a 5W30 switch to a 10W30. Or if it calls for a 10W30 use a 15W30 or even a 20W50 worste case. as for the smoking problem the thicker oil will help a little but not much your rings on your pistons are worn and the engine will have to be rebuilt to fix that problem. Try the oil thing it is the only thing that will help your car last longer...Good Luck

Answer 3

Many times normal operation of your fuel injectors will produce a consistent clicking/tapping. If this is something it hasn't done before, it could indicate problems in the valvetrain. It could be something not so bad, like a sticking or failing lifter . . . or it could be your warning sign that something major is about to go and you should not drive the car until it's fixed.

The later generation Ford Taurus SHOs are a good example: the makers of the engine improperly fastenend the sprocket to the end of the camshaft. After time, the sprocket would come off, the valves would hit the piston, and cause thousands in damage. In almost all cases, just before they blew up, the engines would start ticking. In fact, there's a class action lawsuit against Ford over it.

Get your car to a dealer/mechanic as quickly as possible . . . depending upon what it is, you may not have much time.

Answer 4

It is just a little valve knock, there is absolutely nothing to worry about if everything is functionable and no check engine lights. What kind of car is it? It may require premium fuel and using regular would cause this, but if it does not require premium fuel, DO NOT USE IT! Even if people tell you it will help, it will not. The computer will sense the higher octane and adjust the fuel mixture accordingly, the only thing it will change is is how much money is in your wallet. Good luck!

Answer 5

check the oil