1996 Pontiac Sunfire Engine Clicking

PONTIAC SUNFIRE
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SOLOST
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Pontiac Sunfire, 1996, 118000 miles. My check engine light was on and I had repaired both O2 senors, a new exhaust and a oil change. This was all done back in March of this year. Now for the last 2 days my engine has been making this loud clicking noise everytime I drive it and cuts off on me several times. My check oil light and engine light came on, so I took my car to go get serviced and was told since my engine is making the loud clicking noise while running no one would look at it because the engine might drop. Do you have an idea what the noise can be? I'm at a lost as to what I should do and how I can fix this problem and idea?
Jun 6, 2006 at 5:20 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Not unless I can hear the sound. IF your oil pressure light is on, you have less than 7 lbs of oil pressure and the clicking is from the hydraulic valve lifters.

That is a short life engine and any over 80K you are living on borrowed time. Have a mechanic check it. I suspect a bad oil pump or stopped up screen. Good luck
Jun 6, 2006 at 6:09 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have a mechanic check oil pressure. With the oil light on, pressure may be under about 7 psi and the clicking may be from hydraulic lifters. Suspect a failing oil pump or a clogged pickup screen.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Pontiac Sunfire with 118,000 miles developed a loud engine clicking noise, stalled several times, and illuminated the oil and check engine lights after earlier O2 sensor, exhaust, and oil-change work. A shop declined to inspect it because the engine might fail. The expert said an oil-pressure light means very low pressure and the clicking is likely from hydraulic lifters, and recommended a mechanic check for a bad oil pump or clogged screen.

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