Engine noise

Tiny
JENNY JONES2
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
Please listen to the sound in the attached video clip.
There is a noise that I did not notice before I changed the spark plugs, spark plug wires, valve cover gaskets, alternator, A/C compressor, serpentine belt, and idler pulley. It seems loudest at idle speed. It sounds almost metallic to me, but it reduces to barely audible when I disconnect the spark plug wire to the center back cylinder. I thought it might be a spark arcing to the engine, but it continues quietly from near the firewall when the spark plug wire is disconnected. My only other guess is air/fire escaping through the threads of the spark plug. Suspecting a cross-threaded spark plug, I removed the back three new spark plugs and reinstalled them with anti-seize grease. They all came out and went back in without any resistance until tightened normally. I even used a torque wrench to make sure I did it right the second time. The noise seems not quite as loud now, but is still worrisome.
Saturday, August 1st, 2020 AT 4:56 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

I heard the sound. It sounds like a lifter ticking. However, I don't think that is the problem. If I had to guess, I would say you have a leak at the exhaust manifold. Does it go away or get less noticeable as the engine warms up? The idea that it changed when you disconnected plugs leads me in this directions simply because a lifter noise wouldn't change.

Let me know.
Joe
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 12:16 AM
Tiny
JENNY JONES2
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Joe,

Thank you for listening and commenting. Having a hint that neither of the two most probable causes of the noise would cause immediate serious damage, I felt a lot better about taking it out for a test drive. After warming up, the engine quit making the noise. Later, I listened carefully when I restarted, and heard it again quietly for the first minute or two. All is good!
Have a great day!
Jenny
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 9:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi Jenny,

First, you are very welcome. Since it went away when the engine warmed up, I feel somewhat confident it is an exhaust manifold leak.

Let me know if I can help or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 10:05 PM

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