Westchester Auto Repair

A ticking sound that only shows up when you accelerate can be frustrating because it may disappear as soon as you lift off the pedal. The engine might idle quietly in the driveway, yet the noise returns every time you merge onto the freeway, climb a hill, or ask for more power. That change with engine load gives us useful information. Some noises get louder because internal engine parts move faster, while others appear because exhaust pressure rises or combustion conditions change under acceleration. The location, speed, and tone of the ticking help narrow down what to check. An Exhaust Manifold Leak Can Tick Under Load A small exhaust leak near the cylinder head can sound remarkably similar to an internal engine tick. Exhaust pressure increases when you accelerate, so a crack in the manifold or a leaking gasket may become much louder under load than it is at idle. We look for black soot around the manifold, damaged gaskets, loose fasteners, and cracks in the exhau ... read more