Tapping/ticking noise, not tappets or spark plugs.

[Tc24]

Recently noticed a tapping/ticking noise coming from the engine. It's most noticeable if I open the drivers side door and listen to it coming through the wing. I've adjusted my tappets, cleaned injectors with Redex and recently changed my sparkplugs.

Running out of ideas as to what it could be. Sounds almost like a needle tapping a metallic surface repeatedly. It doesn't do it from cold, and is intermittent at idle and throttle on when warm. It doesn't do it if I'm moving and in gear with no throttle.

Ideas, people? :wall:

[kev_uk_england]

i know it a long shot but this recently happend to me and stumped me.my cam belt tensioner was shot causing the cam belt to be loose and flick,may be worth a check out.

[Tc24]

Thanks for the idea - I'll take a look at it in the light. Did you have to replace the belt, or just adjust/replace the tensioner?

[stevo67]

Your injectors ticking.

[Tc24]

Your injectors ticking.

Is it wear and tear causing this meaning it's time to replace them, or is it just a case of injectors off and giving them a good clean?

[stevo67]

I think saxo`s are known for the injector noise,actual cleaning is best done by getting a company with an injector cleaning machine.

[Tc24]

Found a couple of places round here that do it... Will look into whether or not it'll just be cheaper to have them replaced. If not, to the garage!