tC4italy

Recently my car when in park (I have automatic) and sitting in idle it makes a very loud clicking sound that comes from the engine bay. When we open the hood it's clear the noise is coming from the actual engine itself.

So I brought her to the dealership and I was told that I had an "intermittent sticking valve" and that they had to put a cleaner treatement to unsticky it and that most likely this will happen every ~5k miles.


Does anyone know more about this? I SERIOUSLY don' t want to go to the dealership every 3 months to get this thing fixed . Apparently it can't be fixed? I dunno can someone help me see more precisely about the cause and solutions to this?

kanundrum

Cleaner treatment? what kind ?

tC4italy

what do you mean what kind?

DragonR

im thinking the cleaning treatment they are recommending is something simple... like... http://www.gunk.com/CAT_M3712.asp
FUNCTION AND APPLICATION: A scientific blend of solvents compounded to free up noisy valve lifters
by dissolving varnish and gum deposits resulting from city traffic and short trips.
OUTSTANDING PROPERTIES: One container of VALVE_MEDIC® added to crankcase oil will generally
free-up sticking valves and/or valve lifters. Product is quick acting, providing answer to troubled vehicle
owners quickly. Easy to use. No tools or mechanical knowledge is required.
USE DIRECTIONS: Run engine to its normal operating temperature. Cut off engine. Pour VALVEMEDIC
® into crankcase and restart engine. The VALVE-MEDIC® will usually quiet the engine in 5 to 10
minutes of driving. For stubborn cars, repeat application at next oil change. If trouble persists, mechanical
repair is indicated.
PRODUCT LIMITATIONS: VALVE-MEDIC® will not fix worn or damaged parts. If oil is neglected or
crankcase anti-pollution system ventilation is defective, noise will probably return.
PRECAUTIONS: Contains (CAS#) Aliphatic Petroleum Distillate (68476-34-6) and Naphthenic Petroleum
Oil Mixture (64742-52-5). Combustible. Harmful or Fatal if Swallowed. Eye and Skin Irritant. Vapors
Harmful. FIRST AID: If Swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call Poison Control Center, Physician,
or Hospital Emergency Room Immediately. For eye contact, flush with water for at least 15 minutes while
lifting eyelids and get prompt medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If
irritation persists, get prompt medical attention. For inhalation, remove to fresh air. If breathing becomes
difficult, get prompt medical attention.
STORAGE & HANDLING: Store in a cool place, below 120oF away from ignition sources, oxidizing
agents and acids. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
DISPOSAL: Dispose of container, residue and excess product in accordance with all federal, state and
local laws and regulations.
CONTAINER DESCRIPTION: Packaged in 12 fl oz E-Z Pour plastic bottle.

kanundrum

Like are they telling you to do that fuel system treatment cleaner i was talkign to you about or is it something else.

DragonR

you can buy valve medic at any auto parts store for about $3

tC4italy

I think Dragon got it

kanundrum

Gah its the same thing Ive been telling you to put in ur car when we went to walmart lol.

tC4italy

I thought you said that was for the fuel thing

kanundrum

Yea valve cleaner mine was a lil bit mroe cause it did valves and the fuel system and such.

DragonR

you mean like fuel injector cleaners? the gas additives?
those are good... but most dealers or mechanics jack up the price like crazy...
best ones are Techron or Lucas...

KINGxOFxSKA

My friend has this problem on his tC also. What year is your's Claudia?

kanundrum

yea this one was bg44k thats def good stuff as well that or the complte fuel system treatment from stp i found was decent. I use that like 1 every 2 or so months.

tC4italy

'06

yeah this is not good if multiple tCs are having the same issue

kanundrum

Not sure if its all 06's or not i just chalk it up to weather climate driving style and pollution in the area in general.

tC4italy

Driving style??? People abuse their tCs far worst than I do.

Climate? the King's friend I assume lives in Cali.

KINGxOFxSKA

His is an '06 also. Mine's an '05 and I dont have the ticking sound.

tC4italy

Is he on SL? Maybe I can 'talk' to him about it see if we have more common issues.

KINGxOFxSKA

Yeah. His name is blackonblack91 .

He lives like 10 min away from my house.

DragonR

valve cleaner you pour into the crankcase... fuel treatments go into the gas tank.... walmart is a great place to get them for cheap... and doing them yourself saves you the hassle of taking it to the dealer and cost.... omg the cost....