Unknown ticking noise from engine

[krodammi]

Ok guys I know it's been a long time since I've posted but my 04 (just under 160k miles) is being a pain in my *** again! Here is a list of recent work:
Replace hoses in engine
Replace radiator after pressure from new hoses popped the plastic
Replace starter
Replace alternator (last July 4th)
Replace battery (2 days before the alternator)

Last week I was pulling off the freeway and the car felt like it was going to stall. I looked down at the gauges and it was starting to overheat. I pulled in to the closest shopping center and turned off the car while I waited for a friend. She followed me to the shop and the car was at normal operating temp the whole way there (approx. 8 miles away). The shop had my car for the day and were not able to get the car to overheat again. Checked all sorts of connections and left that one a mystery. The car had been struggling to start recently so we replaced the starter at that time. Now I am hearing a metal on metal ticking noise while the car is idling in reverse or drive. When the car is put in neutral or park the noise stops. When I start to accelerate the noise ticks faster until I reach about 5-10 mph and then it goes away. I took it back to the shop and they were able to replicate the issue while it was there but not give me a definite diagnosis. Said they put mystery oil in it and to drive it around for a few days. We are now less than 24 hours since I got my car back and the noise has returned.

Here is a link to a video clip (hope it works):
HTTP://Youtu.be/yIuyDySqUFQ

Sorry it's super loud, my hood was open and my husband was standing right in front of the car. I can't distinguish a specific side it's coming from but it's starting to concern me. I have also been having trouble at some stops idling in drive where the engine will suddenly rev a little even though my foot is on the brake (auto).

So I submit to you oh masters of the car forum - a very long post and a cry for help! My baby is falling apart at a VERY in opportune moment in my life. Any recommendations are appreciated.

[Karrde]

First off I might consider moving to a different shop, from your description they don't seem to be particularly competent. This in particular concerns me:

Replace starter
Replace alternator (last July 4th)
Replace battery (2 days before the alternator)

When they replaced the battery they should have performed a load test on the alternator- this is standard procedure when replacing a battery for running/starting issues. It seems clear that your alternator failed, not your battery. This also could have caused your issues with starting- that starter may have been just fine.

Did the metal ticking sound start right after they replaced the starter? During that appointment, did they do any other work? Just trying to establish exactly what was done before that noise started... I couldn't make anything of it from your recording, it was too indistinct.

The revving or uneven idle might be a separate issue.. how high does the engine rev when it does this?

[TheKoreanSaab]

If its the normal set for a while Hyundai tick startup then goes away noise. Hell even the first gen azera has that.

[mlumz]

Also what oil and filter do you use?

[krodammi]

Thanks for the replies everyone

Here are some answers to your questions:
The battery and alternator were replaced last year before I found this new shop. The starter was just replaced last week. The car had been struggling to start, still turning over on the first try but not as fast as it used to.

I had a similar ticking noise a few months ago but then it sounded like marbles being hit together not metal on metal and it went away. I am having a new video uploaded taken from the drivers seat with the hood closed. Hopefully one of you with a trained ear can hear something I can't. It seems to be getting worse

Oil filter is whatever the shop put on so I doubt OEM. I have moved to a place where I can no longer do my own oil changes. Although I am seriously considering going back to OEM and just bringing the materials into the shop to do it.

I appreciate everyone's input and I will post the link to the new video as soon as I get it. I've missed you guys!!

[avantegt]

If its the normal set for a while Hyundai tick startup then goes away noise. Hell even the first gen azera has that.

My grandpa has an 07 azera and it doesnt tick.

My elantra would tick only when the engine is real cold, like 30 degrees outside. My friends said it sounded like a tractor or a helocopter.

[NovaResource]

Oil filter is whatever the shop put on so I doubt OEM.

I'd say, that's your problem. Well known that many aftermarket filters are more restrictive than OEM Hyundai filters and can cause a ticking noise. I'ds suggest replacing the oil filter with an OEM filter and topping off the oil first.

[silversharkXD2]

Said they put mystery oil in it and to drive it around for a few days.

first sign that they are idiots

try seafoam next...i bet that will fix all your problems
/end sarcasm

[krodammi]

Here is the link I promised :
Http://youtu.be/ZafDLHBEs84

It's probably garbage too but it's worth a shot.

Now in all seriousness, what does it take to become ASE certified as a mechanic? I'm getting really tired of not knowing what's wrong with my car and then having to pay someone to tell me and then to fix it

[hyunelan2]

I'd say, that's your problem. Well known that many aftermarket filters are more restrictive than OEM Hyundai filters and can cause a ticking noise. I'ds suggest replacing the oil filter with an OEM filter and topping off the oil first.

+1 to this. As soon as I heard "oil filter" I was ready to submit my diagnosis. There is even a TSB issued by Hyundai that use of aftermarket filters can cause engine noise and ticking. Switch to a genuine Hyundai oil filter and see what happens.

[krodammi]

Just leaving the dealership now. Parts guy recommended 5W20 oil. Thoughts?

[hyunelan2]

Recommended oil weight is going to vary from different geographies (climate, altitude, etc). I'm not familiar enough with them to confirm or deny it.

[fenixignition]

i use 5w20 all the time. these days, oils are a lot better than they used to be, and lower weights are now preferred because they offer good protection and lubrication as well as decrease in friction, leading to better gas mileage. only thing to watch out for is dropping weight may result in leaks in a higher mileage car.

[NovaResource]

Just leaving the dealership now. Parts guy recommended 5W20 oil. Thoughts?

That's what I use in my 2006 Tucson V6 but looking at the 2004 owners manual, it calls for 5W-30 or 5W-40 for areas where the high temps are 100 deg F or below. For areas where it goes above 100 deg F it calls for 10W-30 or 10W-40.

Page 6-4 of the 2004 Elantra owners manual:


I don't think 5W-20 would be a problem during the winter but during the summer in Arizona, I'd stick with 5W-30 at a minimum.

[NovaResource]

+1 to this. As soon as I heard "oil filter" I was ready to submit my diagnosis. There is even a TSB issued by Hyundai that use of aftermarket filters can cause engine noise and ticking. Switch to a genuine Hyundai oil filter and see what happens.

Yep. TSB-05-20-002

[krodammi]

Thanks for all the input everyone! I have my new oil filter and will stick with the high temp oil recommendations as it will be 113F on Saturday.

[TheKoreanSaab]

The almost all hyundais had a tick when I worked at the dealership the only one I didn't really hear it from was the 3.5 in xv and santa fe and 3.3.

[krodammi]

So here is an update on this issue. I had purchased the new filter but before I could get it on the car my oil light came on while driving to the store. I pull over immediately and check the oil and it's bone dry So I walk up to the closest store to buy a few quarts and when we get back and put it in it immediately puddled underneath the car. I didn't even bother with the second quart. Other than not putting in the drain plug what would cause the new oil to run right through?

*frustrated*

[NovaResource]

Well, is the drain plug there? Maybe it is loose or maybe it fell out. Is there a metal gasket on the plug? Is the puddle under the drain plug? Is it under the oil filter?

[krodammi]

and here is where you guys start to hate me :p I did not get a chance to see under the car it was towed last night. It seemed to be pretty far forward on the passenger side (if that helps at all)