1998 Chevy Cavalier Engine has a ticking noise, accelerates

CRIMSONSUN99

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
172,000 MILES

Yesterday my car overheated, and during that time the engine sounded like it was stalling and starting making a ticking and knocking noise.

Coolant light was coming on before it started having issues, added coolant and light hasn't come on since.

Oil pressure light comes on randomly (used to be more when coming to a stop, but now alot more). Have checked oil filter and oil levels and they are just fine.

The car seems to have trouble accelerating. It overheats after just 20-30 minutes of driving at highway speeds.

A loud ticking noise seems to persist at all times, even at very slow speeds.

Car has stalled a few times now when coming to a stop.

Any idea what could be the problem? And why would my oil light still be coming on?

3 Replies

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

It could be a weak Oil Pump have the oil pressure tested.

Could also be a bad water pump.

Would need to have it looked at to determine.

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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 AT 9:01 PM

CRIMSONSUN99

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No other opinions?

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Thursday, June 25th, 2009 AT 2:15 PM

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

With what you described you could have multiple problems. The Ticking/Knocking sounds like an oil pressure problem since you say the light come on frequently. Or it could be that a lifter or lifters have gone bad and the oil switch is also going bad.

The over heating could be from the Water Pump or the Electric Cooling Fan not coming on. Or could possibly be the Thermostat.

Or could possibly be a Blown Head Gasket. With vehicle cold remove radiator cap, start engine and look for bubbling and a smell of exhaust coming from radiator coolant. If does bubble and has exhaust smell then you have a blown head gasket.

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Thursday, June 25th, 2009 AT 2:53 PM