Mitsubishi Eclipse V6 Engine Tapping?

Question

I have a 2000 Eclipse with a 3.0 V6 and it runs great but when it idles the engine will start to "tap tap tap tap tap" for a few seconds and stop completely and then after a few more seconds starts to slowly "tap tap tap tap tap" again but from faint to loud then back to nothing again... The process continues over and over. Sometimes it doesn't do it at all... like on a warmer day. The cold seems to be worst. I know it's probably lifters or valves tapping but why does it come and go? Is there some kind of maintenance I can perform that may fix the problem liked a clogged line or something... I always change the oil and filter. I had someone answer and say that it was the lash adjusters from using fram oil filter. I recently changed oil and filter with OEM filter and full synthetic oil... But it still taps.. Almost seems louder but when it stops it purs like a kitten the slowly taps again. It is a weird cycle.. It is probably not a big deal as far as it damaging the engine or anything but it can be loud and it makes my car sound like a hoopty but it's not. If anybody has any suggestions I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

If I would have to guess I would say its the valves... Its not a bad thing, they just get carbon build up on them and then they start to make that noise. Ive been told by a couple on mechanics to put some transmission fluid in with the oil and it will help clean them. or I have used a product called "seafoam", its worked wonders for me.

Answer 2

This site may help you understand that engine, sorry the original DSM site crashed after 15 years. That engine has a history for a ' floating ' oil pressure at idle. The silent shafts and a weak oil relief spring are the faults. The first is labor intensive, Take out the silent shafts and spin the shaft bearings to block the oil passages. Throw the shafts and chains away , ( you end up with a minor vibration )The second involves removing the nut holding the pressure relief spring ( right front lower of the motor ) and inserting a thin washer between the nut and spring. !!!!! BE Care full !!!!. Monitor your oil pressure before you do this with fresh oil and warmed up. 18-25 psi is ok. if it`s at 10 or less a simple .040'" washer is your start point. Go up .005 " at a time. Do not use store bought washers. You can easily boost the oil pressure to high and start blowing oil seals. Then again , there`s all ways the other way to look at it. It could just be getting on in miles , and in need of a rebuild. How many miles on the girl?

Answer 3

When was the last time you changed the oil and filter? Could be time to do that. I would recommend you go with 5w30 motor oil. The tapping could be your oil is thick and dirty or low. ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Do you have an oil pressure gauge? Your oil pressure may be high due to a small leak in the head gasket allowing exhaust into the crankcase. You can do a compression test to find out.

Answer 4

Meatwad is trapped in your crankcase and he's gots to get his skunky chocolate milk on. (I didn't really read it but it's probably a rod bearing)