2001 Mazda 626 loud clicking noise in idle

Tiny
OLDDODGETRUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MAZDA 626
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
My Mazda 626 LX V6 makes a loud clicking noise when idling. It only does it when I start the engine. In park the clicking follows the speed of the engine, but if I drive it about 10 feet it stops clicking. It won't start clicking again, until I turn off the engine and turn it back on. It makes no noises when driving down the road. The check engine light does not come on either. It sounds like its coming from under the rear valve cover or under the exhaust manifold. The car still drives fine.
Monday, November 24th, 2014 AT 6:57 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Based on your description, I would guess you have an exhaust manifold leak. If you only hear it when the engine has cooled, my guess is that is when it leaks. As the engine warms, the metal expands and the leak goes away.

Other than that, it could be a lifter or low oil pressure. Is the engine oil clean and full?
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Tuesday, November 25th, 2014 AT 5:16 AM
Tiny
OLDDODGETRUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 66 POSTS
The oil was on the low side, the front valve cover was leaking, but I filled it back up and it didn't help.
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Tuesday, November 25th, 2014 AT 5:48 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Since I am not there to actually hear it, it makes things difficult. Usually, a trained ear can tell right away where the noise is coming from. Is there a tech that you could go to and just let hear it?
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Tuesday, November 25th, 2014 AT 8:39 AM

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